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the_o english_a have_v advertisement_n of_o great_a preparation_n then_o make_v by_o the_o daâ—es_n for_o another_o invasion_n of_o this_o realm_n bestir_v themselves_o in_o fortify_v their_o city_n and_o castle_n hide_v their_o treasure_n and_o muster_v of_o soldier_n for_o their_o defence_n and_o that_o alfric_n the_o abbot_n of_o s._n alban_n much_o fear_v the_o danger_n do_v not_o only_o take_v care_n to_o convey_v the_o shrine_n of_o that_o glorious_a protomartyr_n s._n alban_n into_o a_o secret_a corner_n where_o he_o immure_v it_o but_o the_o better_a to_o disguise_v the_o business_n write_v letter_n to_o the_o abbot_n of_o this_o place_n humble_o request_v he_o that_o he_o will_v take_v charge_n thereof_o till_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o quiet_a condition_n again_o â—or_a say_v my_o author_n erat_fw-la eorum_fw-la insula_fw-la intransmeabilibus_fw-la circundata_fw-la paludibus_fw-la &_o arundinetis_fw-la unde_fw-la hostium_fw-la incursus_fw-la nequaquam_fw-la timuerunt_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la this_o isle_n of_o ely_n be_v environ_v with_o fen_n and_o reed-plecks_a unpassible_a so_o that_o they_o fear_v not_o the_o invasion_n of_o the_o enemy_n whereunto_o the_o say_a abbot_n assent_v alfric_n like_o a_o politic_a and_o wary_a man_n fear_v that_o these_o of_o ely_n have_v get_v such_o a_o treasure_n into_o their_o hand_n may_v deny_v to_o restore_v it_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v again_o require_v send_v instead_o of_o s._n alban_n shrine_n the_o relic_n of_o a_o old_a monk_n put_v up_o in_o a_o rich_a chest_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v s._n alban_n bone_n and_o keep_v the_o before-specified_n shrine_n wall_v up_o in_o their_o own_o abbey_n as_o have_v be_v say_v but_o the_o most_o signal_n testimony_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o place_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o say_a water_n encompass_v it_o be_v that_o recourse_n which_o divers_a of_o the_o principal_a nobility_n of_o the_o english_a nation_n have_v unto_o it_o as_o their_o great_a 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country_n and_o redeem_v their_o just_a liberty_n and_o in_o particular_a they_o importune_v he_o in_o behalf_n of_o thurstane_n then_o abbot_n of_o that_o place_n and_o his_o monk_n who_o the_o say_a island_n whole_o be_v and_o on_o who_o behalf_n the_o same_o be_v then_o fortify_v against_o the_o king_n that_o he_o will_v make_v no_o delay_n because_o the_o say_a king_n bring_v in_o a_o foreign_a monk_n out_o of_o france_n to_o obtrude_v upon_o they_o as_o abbot_n there_o and_o that_o he_o purpose_v to_o do_v the_o like_a in_o all_o other_o church_n throughout_o england_n to_o which_o request_n of_o they_o he_o willing_o condescend_v and_o forthwith_o begin_v his_o journey_n towards_o they_o according_o whereof_o the_o earl_n warren_n have_v notice_n who_o brother_n long_o before_o the_o say_a hereward_n have_v kill_v he_o lay_v ambush_n for_o he_o on_o the_o outside_n of_o the_o fen_n belong_v to_o
in_o the_o place_n the_o soil_n be_v very_o dry_a but_o come_v out_o of_o nilus_n by_o a_o trench_n flow_v six_o month_n into_o the_o lake_n and_o ebb_v as_o many_o into_o the_o nile_n yield_v into_o the_o king_n treasury_n for_o the_o fish_n take_v therein_o a_o talon_n of_o silver_n for_o every_o day_n of_o the_o six_o month_n ebb_n and_o twenty_o minae_fw-la when_o it_o flow_v the_o egyptians_n will_v have_v it_o believe_v that_o this_o lake_n be_v make_v by_o hand_n and_o dug_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o island_n and_o pyramid_n in_o it_o and_o when_o it_o be_v object_v that_o there_o be_v no_o sign_n of_o earth_n cast_v out_o they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v throw_v into_o the_o river_n nile_n after_o he_o also_o king_n sesostris_n return_v victorious_a out_o of_o asia_n and_o bring_v 107._o with_o he_o a_o multitude_n of_o people_n out_o of_o the_o subdue_a country_n enforce_v they_o to_o dig_v sundry_a watercourse_n which_o be_v still_o in_o egypt_n improvident_o make_v the_o country_n which_o before_o be_v passable_a with_o horse_n and_o wagon_n to_o want_v that_o conveniency_n for_o from_o that_o time_n though_o egypt_n be_v all_o plain_a yet_o can_v neither_o horse_n nor_o wagon_n pass_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o cut_n which_o be_v many_o and_o various_a but_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o so_o trench_v the_o country_n be_v that_o the_o city_n more_o remote_a from_o the_o river_n may_v not_o want_v water_n to_o drink_v upon_o the_o recess_n of_o the_o stream_n there_o be_v also_o very_o remarkable_a trench_n on_o the_o arabian_a side_n of_o egypt_n as_o that_o at_o b._n pelusium_n which_o fill_v the_o two_o lake_n that_o have_v their_o name_n from_o the_o fen_n there_o beside_o other_o lake_n and_o trench_n into_o they_o in_o those_o part_n without_o delta_n and_o two_o other_o which_o meet_v in_o a_o lake_n in_o the_o sethroitique_a division_n for_o egypt_n be_v by_o sesostris_n divide_v into_o xxxvi_o part_n in_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o english_a you_o may_v call_v they_o shire_n but_o that_o be_v the_o most_o famous_a trench_n which_o be_v draw_v into_o the_o red_a sea_n it_o be_v first_o 158._o undertake_v by_o king_n necos_n the_o son_n of_o psamnitichus_n this_o be_v that_o pharaoh_n nechoh_o king_n of_o egypt_n who_o slay_v 27._o josias_n king_n of_o juda_n in_o battle_n at_o megiddo_n be_v second_v by_o darius_n king_n of_o persia._n the_o length_n of_o supra_fw-la this_o trench_n be_v four_o day_n sail_v the_o breadth_n such_o as_o two_o galley_n may_v row_v together_o the_o water_n of_o nile_n enter_v into_o it_o a_o little_a above_o the_o city_n bubastis_n and_o pass_v by_o patumos_n a_o city_n of_o arabia_n enter_v the_o red_a sea_n they_o begin_v to_o dig_v in_o the_o plain_a of_o egypt_n towards_o arabia_n run_v a_o great_a way_n from_o west_n to_o east_n by_o the_o foot_n of_o that_o hill_n near_o memphis_n in_o which_o be_v the_o stone_n quarry_n then_o turn_v south_n through_o the_o part_n of_o the_o 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of_o those_o lake_n though_o in_o old_a time_n bitter_a be_v change_v ib._n upon_o the_o make_n of_o this_o new_a river_n and_o mingle_v with_o fresh_a water_n and_o now_o breed_v good_a fish_n and_o abundance_n of_o water-foul_a he_o say_v that_o this_o trench_n be_v first_o make_v by_o sesostris_n before_o the_o trojan_a war_n or_o as_o other_o relate_v it_o be_v only_o begin_v by_o the_o son_n of_o psamnitichus_n who_o soon_o die_v afterward_o it_o be_v again_o undertake_v by_o darius_n the_o first_o who_o have_v almost_o finish_v the_o work_n give_v it_o over_o out_o of_o a_o fond_a conceit_n that_o the_o red_a sea_n be_v high_a than_o egypt_n and_o that_o if_o the_o whole_a isthmus_n be_v cut_v egypt_n will_v be_v drown_v with_o the_o sea_n but_o the_o ptolemay_v king_n of_o egypt_n cut_v it_o through_o and_o set_v a_o sluice_n upon_o the_o channel_n that_o they_o may_v sail_v out_o into_o the_o sea_n and_o in_o again_o as_o they_o please_v it_o be_v 805._o a_o hundred_o cubit_n in_o breadth_n and_o deep_a enough_o for_o a_o great_a ship_n the_o intend_a benefit_n of_o this_o channel_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v a_o intercourse_n between_o the_o midland_n sea_n and_o the_o atlantic_a and_o a_o communication_n of_o traffic_n by_o water_n between_o europe_n and_o the_o east-indies_n but_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o any_o great_a use_n be_v make_v thereof_o to_o that_o purpose_n for_o in_o aftertime_n the_o way_n of_o trade_n into_o those_o eastern_a part_n be_v either_o from_o the_o port_n of_o gaza_n to_o aila_n a_o port-town_n situate_a near_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o arabian_a gulf_n on_o the_o east_n side_n thereof_o or_o from_o coptus_n a_o town_n of_o egypt_n on_o this_o side_n thebes_n to_o berinice_n a_o port_n on_o the_o west_n side_n of_o the_o red_a sea_n this_o passage_n from_o gaza_n to_o aila_n be_v say_v 759._o to_o be_v 1260_o furlong_n there_o be_v two_o way_n one_o through_o arabia_n the_o other_o through_o egypt_n by_o heroopolis_n to_o which_o the_o near_a way_n be_v by_o pelusium_n the_o way_n through_o the_o desert_n and_o sand_n be_v go_v by_o camel_n and_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o serpent_n from_o this_o elath_n solomon_n make_v 1â—_n his_o voyage_n to_o ophir_n the_o town_n be_v lose_v 8.20_o in_o king_n jorams_fw-mi reign_n when_o the_o edomite_n revolt_v but_o it_o be_v recover_v 22._o by_o azariah_n and_o under_o ahaz_n lose_v 6._o again_o to_o rezin_n king_n of_o syria_n it_o be_v a_o frontier_n town_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o the_o station_n lociâ—_n of_o the_o x_o legion_n the_o other_o passage_n from_o coptus_n to_o berinice_n be_v reckon_v 258_o mile_n the_o particular_a station_n whereof_o you_o have_v in_o the_o itinerary_n of_o antoninus_n they_o be_v settle_v b._n and_o inn_n erect_v by_o philadelphus_n because_o the_o innermost_a part_n of_o the_o red_a sea_n be_v not_o so_o navigable_a this_o coptus_n be_v a_o common_a town_n both_o to_o the_o egyptians_n and_o arabian_n and_o the_o mart_n for_o all_o indian_a arabic_a and_o aethiopique_n commodity_n from_o whence_o be_v a_o channel_n c._n cut_v into_o the_o nile_n whereby_o the_o merchandize_n be_v transplant_v to_o alexandria_n which_o place_n be_v from_o the_o macedonian_a time_n the_o head_n of_o all_o egypt_n ought_v not_o slight_o to_o be_v pass_v by_o because_o none_o ever_o have_v the_o like_a advantage_n of_o artificial_a watercourse_n by_o which_o in_o short_a time_n it_o become_v for_o greatness_n populacy_n wealth_n and_o pleasantness_n one_o of_o the_o most_o renown_a city_n of_o the_o world_n the_o ancient_a egyptians_n superstitious_o abhor_v the_o sea_n and_o have_v they_o in_o abomination_n who_o get_v their_o live_n by_o it_o and_o albeit_o according_a to_o the_o chronology_n of_o 1230._o eusebius_n they_o have_v the_o dominion_n of_o the_o sea_n in_o the_o reign_v of_o psamnis_n and_o bocchoris_n a_o little_a before_o the_o first_o olympiade_n which_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o distract_a condition_n of_o egypt_n in_o those_o time_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o 154_o the_o egyptians_n never_o have_v any_o seaport_n that_o psamnitichus_n be_v the_o first_o that_o 178._o admit_v stranger_n to_o inhabit_v that_o naucratis_n on_o the_o channel_n of_o canopus_n the_o only_a mart_n town_n of_o egypt_n be_v open_v by_o amasis_n who_o take_v cyprus_n and_o die_v the_o same_o year_n that_o egpyt_n be_v lose_v to_o the_o persian_n neither_o be_v the_o coast_n of_o egypt_n fit_a for_o navigation_n be_v 791._o harbourlesse_a low_a and_o full_a of_o flat_n and_o shelf_n except_o where_o the_o island_n pâ—arus_n lie_v in_o length_n before_o a_o bay_n at_o a_o village_n call_v rhacotis_n a_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o furlong_n from_o canopus_n afford_v the_o mean_n of_o a_o haven_n whereof_o neither_o the_o egyptians_n
guardian_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n who_o be_v according_o swear_v for_o the_o perform_n of_o that_o office_n faithful_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n aforesaid_a also_o john_n engham_n the_o heir_n of_o thomas_n thunder_n robert_z thunder_z thomas_n jan_n the_o heir_n of_o james_n marchall_n the_o heir_n of_o robert_n marchall_n and_o the_o heir_n of_o stephan_n deign_v be_v likewise_o elect_v be_v swear_v to_o execute_v that_o office_n of_o skawer_n faithful_o within_o the_o say_a marsh_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n aforesaid_a the_o shireeve_n of_o kent_n therefore_o have_v command_v that_o he_o shall_v give_v several_a summons_n to_o the_o say_a abbot_n of_o s._n augustine_n prior_n of_o christs-church_n sir_n john_n elryngton_n knight_n and_o the_o rest_n who_o hold_v land_n within_o that_o part_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n within_o the_o county_n of_o kent_n that_o they_o sâ—ould_v appear_v at_o the_o say_v marsâ—_n upon_o monday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o translation_n of_o s._n thomas_n the_o martyr_n than_o next_o ensue_v to_o show_v why_o each_o of_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o contribute_v to_o the_o say_a work_n for_o what_o he_o hold_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n thereof_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o he_o be_v assess_v and_o in_o like_a manner_n have_v the_o shireeve_n of_o sussex_n command_n that_o he_o shall_v summon_v sir_n john_n elryngton_n knight_n and_o the_o rest_n who_o hold_v that_o part_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n in_o this_o county_n of_o sussex_n and_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o all_o the_o other_o land-holders_n though_o they_o be_v several_o so_o summon_v do_v not_o appear_v but_o make_v default_n but_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n elryngton_n and_o other_o of_o this_o county_n do_v appear_v and_o be_v ready_a every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o contribute_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o what_o he_o hold_v within_o the_o say_a marsh_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o inquisition_n and_o tax_n aforesaid_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o say_a commissioner_n that_o aswell_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n elryngton_n and_o the_o other_o land-holders_n who_o then_o appear_v with_o he_o as_o the_o say_a abbot_n of_o s._n augustine_n and_o all_o those_o other_o who_o do_v not_o appear_v shall_v every_o one_o contribute_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o what_o he_o hold_v to_o the_o make_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o say_a wall_n in_o manner_n and_o form_n as_o in_o the_o say_a presentment_n be_v contain_v and_o shall_v observe_v and_o keep_v the_o law_n and_o custom_n specify_v in_o the_o say_a presentment_n and_o because_o before_o that_o time_n there_o be_v no_o certain_a law_n of_o that_o marsh_n constitute_v nor_o use_v and_o that_o the_o say_a marsh_n be_v drown_v lie_v to_o the_o sea_n therefore_o the_o say_a commissioner_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o commission_n by_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o bailiff_n jurat_n and_o commonality_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n do_v ordain_v that_o for_o the_o future_a the_o bailiff_n for_o the_o time_n be_v shall_v have_v one_o principal_a last_o in_o the_o say_a marsh_n yearly_a at_o the_o least_o within_o the_o octave_n of_o s._n michael_n the_o archangel_n in_o such_o place_n where_o he_o the_o say_a bailiff_n shall_v think_v most_o expedient_a and_o at_o a_o last_o 16â—0_n hold_v at_o west_n ham_n the_o three_o day_n of_o october_n in_o the_o xxiiijth_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o eight_o before_o john_n prior_n of_o lewes_n rich._n abbot_n of_o begham_n john_n prior_n of_o michelham_n thomas_n lord_n dacre_n and_o other_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o king_n commission_n to_o they_o direct_v it_o be_v decree_v and_o ordain_v that_o no_o manner_n of_o person_n or_o person_n shall_v thenceforth_o set_v any_o net_n pot_n or_o engine_n or_o make_v any_o dam_n or_o other_o impediment_n in_o landing_n watergang_n ditch_n or_o common_a stream_n or_o any_o insews_n or_o set_v or_o fisâ—ing_v before_o any_o gut_n or_o gut_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o pevensey_n marsâ—_n upon_o penalty_n of_o forfeit_v to_o the_o use_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n such_o net_n or_o net_n pot_n or_o engine_n as_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v so_o set_v and_o likewise_o ten_o shilling_n when_o and_o as_o often_o as_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v so_o offend_v the_o say_a net_n or_o net_n pot_n or_o engine_n to_o be_v seize_v on_o by_o any_o person_n or_o person_n to_o the_o use_n aforesaid_a which_o person_n or_o person_n so_o seize_v they_o to_o have_v the_o one_o half_a of_o the_o same_o to_o his_o own_o use_n but_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o the_o say_v ten_o shilling_n to_o be_v so_o levy_v by_o the_o bailiff_n for_o the_o time_n be_v to_o be_v to_o the_o behoof_n of_o the_o whole_a marsh_n provide_v nevertheless_o that_o every_o owner_n of_o land_n within_o the_o say_a marsh_n have_v full_a and_o lawful_a power_n to_o fish_n within_o his_o ground_n so_o it_o be_v not_o prejudicial_a or_o hurtful_a to_o the_o say_v marsh._n cap._n xx._n from_o sussex_n i_o come_v next_o to_o somersetshire_n that_o the_o overflowing_n both_o of_o the_o sea_n and_o fresh_a river_n in_o some_o part_n of_o this_o county_n be_v heretofore_o likewise_o exceed_v great_a i_o need_v not_o seek_v far_o for_o testimony_n the_o rich_a and_o spacious_a marsh_n below_o well_n and_o glastonbury_n since_o by_o much_o industry_n drayn_v and_o reduce_v to_o profit_n sufficient_o manifest_v no_o less_o for_o consider_v the_o flatnesse_n of_o those_o part_n at_o least_o twelve_o mile_n eastward_o from_o the_o sea_n which_o give_v way_n to_o the_o tide_n to_o flow_v up_o very_o high_a as_o also_o that_o the_o â—ilt_n and_o sand_n thereby_o continual_o bring_v up_o do_v not_o a_o little_a obstruct_v the_o outfall_n of_o those_o fresh_a water_n which_o descend_v from_o bruton_n shepton-malet_n and_o several_a other_o place_n of_o this_o shire_n all_o that_o great_a level_n about_o glastonbury_n and_o below_o it_o now_o for_o the_o most_o part_n call_v brentmarshe_n be_v in_o time_n past_a no_o other_o than_o a_o very_a fen_n and_o that_o place_n be_v natural_o high_o than_o the_o rest_n account_v a_o island_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o situation_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o such_o vast_a water_n haec_fw-la itaque_fw-la insula_fw-la say_v will._n 1._o of_o mamesâ—ury_n speak_v of_o it_o then_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o isle_n of_o avalon_n primò_fw-la à _fw-la britonibus_fw-la dicta_fw-la est_fw-la ynwyrtrin_n etc._n etc._n insula_fw-la verò_fw-la dicta_fw-la est_fw-la quoniam_fw-la marisco_fw-la profundo_fw-la est_fw-la undique_fw-la clausa_fw-la this_o island_n be_v first_o call_v by_o the_o briton_n ynswyrtrin_n etc._n etc._n and_o term_v a_o island_n because_o it_o be_v enclose_v on_o every_o side_n with_o a_o deep_a marsh_n or_o fen_n as_o doubtless_o it_o will_v be_v be_v it_o not_o for_o that_o famous_a and_o costly_a sluse_n at_o highbridge_n whereby_o the_o tide_n that_o there_o usual_o rise_v no_o less_o than_o xx_o foot_n in_o full_a height_n be_v not_o only_o keep_v back_o but_o the_o fresh_a water_n evacuate_v with_o such_o a_o force_n as_o grind_v out_o the_o silt_n which_o will_v otherwise_o choke_v up_o that_o ostiarie_n the_o obstruction_n of_o their_o current_n and_o consequent_o the_o overflow_n of_o that_o large_a plain_n eastward_n be_v happy_o prevent_v let_v i_o also_o add_v hereunto_o what_o the_o learned_a leland_n a._n in_o his_o itinerarie_n make_v temp_n h._n 8._o observe_v viz._n that_o near_o coscumbe_v betwixt_o shipton_n malet_n and_o welles_n there_o be_v ancient_o a_o castle_n on_o a_o hill_n call_v fenne_n castle_n the_o ruin_n whereof_o he_o see_v and_o as_o to_o the_o bank_a and_o drayn_n in_o these_o part_n that_o a_o mile_n above_o hartlake_n bridge_n he_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o arm_n cast_v out_o by_o force_n out_o of_o sowey_n river_n and_o a_o marsh_n wall_n make_v by_o industry_n betwixt_o it_o and_o the_o principal_a stream_n of_o sowey_n which_o wall_n continue_v to_o hartlake_n bridge_n and_o a_o mile_n low_a and_o then_o both_o soon_o after_o run_v into_o the_o mere_a and_o moreover_o affirm_v that_o if_o the_o say_a marsh_n wall_n shall_v not_o be_v keep_v up_o and_o the_o channel_n on_o each_o part_n of_o sowey_n preserve_v from_o weed_n all_o the_o plain_a ground_n at_o sudden_a rain_n will_v be_v overflow_v and_o the_o profit_n thereof_o lose_v and_o by_o the_o charter_n b._n of_o eddi_n bishop_n of_o ............_o make_v to_o the_o abbey_n of_o glastonbury_n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n dclxxx_o it_o appear_v that_o ferramere_n be_v then_o a_o island_n environ_v with_o the_o fen_n but_o concern_v these_o and_o the_o other_o marsh_n of_o this_o county_n the_o first_o commission_n dorso_fw-la
divers_a age_n a_o most_o unhealthy_a stagnation_n of_o water_n yield_v no_o considerable_a profit_n to_o the_o inhabitant_n or_o those_o that_o border_n upon_o it_o that_o the_o obstruction_n which_o the_o before_o specify_v river_n have_v have_v in_o pass_v out_o free_o to_o the_o sea_n have_v be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o those_o inundation_n and_o drown_n already_o speak_v of_o be_v apparent_a enough_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n make_v manifest_a what_o it_o be_v that_o have_v thus_o stop_v and_o choke_v up_o these_o their_o outfall_n whosoever_o have_v observe_v the_o constant_a tide_n which_o flow_v up_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n at_o lynne_n will_v find_v the_o water_n always_o very_o thick_a and_o muddy_a there_o because_o the_o sea_n bear_v a_o large_a breadth_n northwards_o from_o thence_o work_v with_o so_o much_o distemper_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o a_o great_a proportion_n of_o silt_n do_v daily_o settle_v in_o the_o mouth_n of_o that_o ostiarie_n and_o likewise_o in_o the_o other_o viz._n of_o wisbeche_n spalding_n and_o boston_n so_o that_o in_o time_n it_o can_v not_o but_o grow_v to_o that_o thickness_n without_o some_o artificial_a help_n to_o quicken_v the_o current_n upon_o its_o evacuation_n at_o every_o ebb_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v carry_v out_o again_o that_o it_o must_v needs_o force_v back_o the_o fresh_a water_n and_o cause_v they_o not_o only_o to_o overflow_v but_o at_o length_n to_o drown_v the_o whole_a level_n through_o which_o their_o stream_n do_v pass_v and_o this_o we_o see_v apparent_o be_v the_o case_n here_o for_o to_o such_o a_o height_n be_v the_o silt_n grow_v that_o in_o the_o year_n 1635._o upon_o the_o deep_v of_o 2._o wisbeche_n river_n the_o workman_n at_o eight_o foot_n below_o the_o then_o bottom_n thereof_o come_v to_o another_o bottom_n which_o be_v stony_a and_o in_o it_o at_o several_a distance_n find_v seven_o boat_n that_o have_v lyen_fw-we there_o overwhelm_v with_o the_o silt_n for_o many_o age_n so_o likewise_o at_o salter_n load_n at_o the_o dig_v of_o a_o foundation_n for_o the_o sasse_n which_o be_v there_o set_v up_o of_o late_a year_n by_o the_o adventurer_n in_o that_o great_a work_n of_o the_o present_a drayn_n the_o silt_n be_v observe_v to_o be_v ten_o foot_n deep_a and_o next_o below_o that_o three_o foot_n thickness_n of_o firm_a moor_n then_o bluish_a gault_n which_o the_o workman_n judge_v to_o have_v be_v silt_v original_o because_o be_v dry_a it_o not_o only_o crumble_v like_o it_o but_o have_v the_o root_n of_o reed_n in_o it_o then_o below_o it_o moor_n of_o three_o foot_n thickness_n much_o firm_a and_o clear_a than_o the_o other_o and_o last_o whitish_a clay_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v the_o very_a natural_a and_o bottom_a soil_n at_o the_o first_o before_o those_o change_v happen_v either_o from_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o course_n of_o the_o sea_n or_o choke_v up_o these_o outfall_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v add_v hereunto_o what_o likewise_o have_v of_o late_a year_n be_v observe_v at_o witlesey_n in_o the_o cast_n of_o those_o moat_n by_o mr._n underwood_n for_o the_o fence_n in_o of_o his_o new_a plantation_n of_o fruit_n tree_n viz._n that_o dig_v through_o the_o moor_n at_o eight_o foot_n deep_a they_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a soil_n and_o swath_n of_o grass_n lie_v thereon_o as_o they_o be_v first_o mow_v which_o clear_o manifest_v that_o some_o great_a landfloud_n many_o age_n since_o meet_v with_o a_o obstruction_n at_o the_o natural_a ostiaries_n towards_o the_o sea_n by_o reason_n of_o much_o silt_n which_o after_o a_o long_a drought_n have_v choke_v they_o up_o do_v then_o spread_v itself_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a level_n and_o that_o the_o water_n till_o this_o general_a drayn_n ever_o since_o cover_v the_o same_o have_v produce_v a_o moor_n now_o grow_v to_o this_o thickness_n and_o moreover_o that_o at_o the_o set_n down_o of_o skyrbeck_n sluse_n near_a boston_n there_o be_v find_v at_o xuj_o foot_n deep_a cover_v with_o silt_n a_o smith_n forge_n and_o all_o the_o tool_n thereunto_o belong_v with_o horshoo_n and_o other_o thing_n make_v of_o iron_n as_o some_o that_o see_v it_o have_v affirm_v to_o i_o cap._n xxxviii_o of_o the_o vast_a extent_n and_o great_a depth_n of_o the_o fresh_a water_n occasion_v by_o these_o obstruction_n of_o their_o outfall_n to_o manifest_v this_o though_o there_o nee_v nothing_o more_o than_o the_o ocular_a view_n of_o the_o whole_a level_n and_o the_o observation_n to_o what_o a_o depth_n the_o moor_n be_v increase_v which_o be_v mere_o grow_v from_o the_o long_a stagnation_n of_o the_o water_n it_o be_v find_v in_o some_o place_n ten_o in_o some_o twelve_o and_o in_o some_o fourteen_o or_o fifteen_o foot_n deep_a nay_o four_a foot_n high_o than_o the_o level_n of_o marshland_n yet_o will_v i_o exhibit_v divers_a evident_a testimony_n thereof_o from_o several_a undoubted_a authority_n therewithal_o discover_v some_o notable_a piece_n of_o story_n which_o be_v not_o common_o know_v to_o the_o world_n may_v not_o i_o presume_v seem_v tedious_a to_o any_o reader_n in_o region_fw-la gyrviorum_fw-la est_fw-la nobile_fw-la monaâ—_n sterium_fw-la etc._n etc._n in_o the_o country_n of_o the_o gyrvi_fw-it say_v the_o register_n of_o peterborough_n there_o be_v a_o famous_a monastery_n b._n heretofore_o call_v medeshamstede_n but_o now_o usual_o burch_n the_o gyrvii_n be_v those_o which_o inhabit_v near_o the_o fen_n because_o gyr_n in_o english_a be_v the_o same_o as_o profunda_fw-la paâ—us_fw-la a_o deep_a fen_n in_o the_o latin_a for_o by_o the_o inundation_n and_o overflow_a of_o the_o river_n the_o water_n stand_v upon_o the_o level_n ground_n make_v a_o deep_a lake_n and_o so_o render_v it_o uninhabitable_a except_v in_o some_o high_a place_n which_o god_n of_o purpose_n raise_v as_o may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v habitation_n for_o his_o servant_n who_o choose_v to_o dwell_v there_o for_o in_o such_o place_n within_o the_o fen_n do_v thoy_z viz._n the_o monk_n of_o ramâ—sey_n thorney_n crouland_n and_o many_o other_o reside_v to_o which_o there_o be_v no_o access_n but_o by_o navigable_a vessel_n except_o unto_o ramesey_n by_o a_o causey_n raise_v with_o much_o labour_n on_o the_o one_o side_n thereof_o within_o the_o same_o precinct_n also_o be_v ely_n place_v be_v a_o island_n seven_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o as_o much_o in_o breadth_n contain_v in_o itself_o xxij_o town_n compass_v on_o every_o side_n with_o fen_n and_o water_n and_o whereunto_o there_o be_v only_o three_o causey_n have_v thus_o at_o peterborough_n make_v my_o entrance_n into_o this_o vast_a fenn_n my_o next_o observation_n thereof_o shall_v be_v at_o crouland_n the_o horror_n of_o which_o place_n be_v lively_o represent_v in_o the_o story_n of_o s._n guthlake_n a_o devout_a hermit_n who_o many_o age_n since_o choose_v it_o for_o his_o retirement_n there_o be_v in_o the_o middle_a part_n of_o britain_n say_v the_o writer_n of_o that_o saint_n life_n a_o hideous_a fen_n of_o a_o huge_a bigness_n 7._o which_o begin_v at_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o river_n gronte_n not_o far_o from_o a_o castle_n bear_v that_o name_n extend_v itself_o from_o the_o south_n to_o the_o north_n in_o a_o very_a long_a tract_n even_o to_o the_o sea_n ofttimes_o cloud_v mith_o moist_a and_o dark_a vapour_n have_v within_o it_o divers_a island_n and_o wood_n as_o also_o crooked_a and_o wind_a river_n wheâ—_n therefore_o that_o man_n of_o bleâ—â—ed_a memory_n guthlac_n have_v find_v out_o the_o desert_a place_n of_o this_o vast_a wilderness_n and_o by_o god_n assistance_n have_v pass_v through_o they_o he_o inquire_v of_o the_o borderer_n what_o they_o know_v thereof_o who_o relate_v several_a thing_n of_o its_o dreadfulness_n and_o solitude_n there_o stand_v up_o one_o among_o they_o call_v tatwine_v who_o affirm_v that_o he_o know_v a_o certain_a island_n in_o the_o more_o remote_a and_o secret_a part_n thereof_o which_o many_o have_v attempt_v to_o inhabit_v but_o can_v not_o for_o the_o strange_a and_o uncouth_a monster_n and_o several_a terror_n wherewith_o they_o be_v affright_v whereupon_o s._n guthlac_n earnest_o entreat_v that_o he_o will_v show_v he_o that_o place_n tatwine_v therefore_o yield_v to_o the_o request_n of_o this_o holy_a man_n take_v a_o fisher_n boat_n christ_n be_v his_o guide_n through_o the_o intricacy_n of_o this_o darksome_a fen_n pass_v thereunto_o it_o be_v call_v cruland_n and_o situate_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o lake_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o desartnesse_n former_o know_v to_o very_a few_o for_o no_o country_n man_n before_o that_o devout_a servant_n of_o christ_n s._n guthlac_n can_v endure_v to_o dwell_v in_o it_o by_o reason_n that_o such_o apparition_n of_o devil_n be_v so_o frequent_o see_v there_o not_o long_o after_o
least_o and_o if_o the_o tumbril_n shall_v make_v default_n to_o pay_v for_o every_o day_n four_o penny_n and_o a_o man_n two_o penny_n which_o hire_n to_o be_v allow_v of_o by_o the_o say_a warden_n for_o the_o behoof_n of_o those_o town_n and_o that_o once_o in_o the_o year_n a_o account_n shall_v be_v give_v thereof_o upon_o notice_n give_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o say_a town_n by_o the_o common_a cryer_n and_o they_o also_o present_v that_o the_o stream_n of_o spalding_n shall_v be_v make_v narrow_a at_o skitishirne_n near_o peccebrig_n on_o the_o east_n part_v thereof_o and_o opposite_a thereto_o on_o the_o west_n part_n with_o pile_n ray_n and_o stone_n by_o those_o that_o receive_v benefit_n thereby_o and_o that_o there_o be_v one_o passage_n at_o peccebrig_n the_o profit_n whereof_o the_o warden_n ought_v to_o receive_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o commonalty_n of_o spalding_n and_o they_o far_o ordain_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o commonalty_n of_o spalding_n that_o the_o prior_n of_o spalding_n shall_v defend_v his_o corner_n call_v pesâ—holmehirne_n with_o pile_n and_o stone_n and_o at_o the_o coningeâ—_n likewise_o and_o they_o that_o have_v the_o sea_n banks_n to_o do_v the_o like_v over_o against_o the_o message_n of_o gilbert_n atte_n stowe_n and_o that_o the_o prior_n and_o his_o bondman_n shall_v repair_v that_o corner_n in_o the_o river_n which_o be_v the_o frontier_n in_o getegodisplace_v near_o unto_o coldalegote_n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o ancient_a gutter_n call_v covenham_n goat_n aught_o to_o be_v repair_v and_o the_o sewer_n of_o the_o same_o gutter_n in_o the_o old_a current_n unto_o the_o wardic_n and_o that_o from_o the_o wardic_n to_o pinegate_n the_o say_a sewer_n shall_v be_v in_o breadth_n ten_o foot_n and_o they_o likewise_o say_v that_o all_o the_o ditch_n on_o each_o part_n of_o spalding_n drive_v from_o the_o fen_n to_o the_o sea_n aught_o to_o be_v open_v in_o winter_n so_o that_o the_o current_n of_o the_o water_n may_v not_o be_v hinder_v towards_o the_o sea_n and_o that_o the_o ancient_a sewer_n betwixt_o robert_n le_fw-fr organce_n and_o maud_n atte_a bar_n aught_o to_o be_v repair_v and_o cleanse_v and_o that_o the_o course_n of_o the_o water_n of_o chaplgate_n and_o of_o newgate_n descend_v by_o rain_n may_v pass_v away_o and_o descend_v to_o coldalegate_n and_o moreover_o that_o the_o common_a way_n which_o go_v from_o the_o great_a bridge_n unto_o westlode_n out-fall_a be_v too_o narrow_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v repair_v by_o those_o who_o have_v the_o frontier_n so_o that_o people_n may_v go_v and_o ride_v that_o way_n and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o the_o common_a roadway_n betwixt_o pichale_n and_o brotherhous_n be_v cut_v in_o sunder_o with_o trench_n by_o the_o prior_n of_o spalding_n and_o his_o bailiff_n they_o therefore_o ordain_v that_o thenceforth_o bridge_n shall_v be_v make_v thereon_o to_o the_o end_n that_o man_n may_v pass_v with_o cart_n and_o carriage_n and_o ordinary_a drove_n and_o so_o from_o brotherhous_n unto_o the_o clote_n and_o that_o the_o common_a way_n from_o the_o clote_n unto_o croyland_n be_v then_o in_o decay_n through_o the_o default_n of_o the_o abbot_n and_o town_n of_o croyland_n and_o thereupon_o they_o ordain_v for_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o the_o country_n that_o from_o thenceforth_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v any_o trench_n make_v in_o those_o place_n where_o bridges_n be_v to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o the_o king_n high_a way_n and_o they_o say_v that_o newgote_n ought_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o town_n of_o weston_n so_o also_o the_o south_n dike_v of_o quappelode_n and_o holbeche_n by_o those_o two_o town_n and_o that_o the_o common_a dic_fw-la and_o chepdic_n from_o fletebridge_n to_o asewicklade_n aught_o to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o same_o to_n so_o likewise_o the_o sewer_n at_o galwegote_n run_v from_o thomlande_n to_o the_o sea_n and_o to_o be_v dig_v deep_a as_o in_o ancient_a time_n it_o have_v be_v by_o those_o town_n and_o that_o the_o croffendic_n of_o quappelode_n ought_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o town_n of_o quappelode_n so_o also_o the_o bridge_n at_o wikesdic_n in_o quappelode_n so_o that_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o water_n run_v under_o that_o bridge_n may_v be_v in_o breadth_n ix_o foot_n and_o the_o course_n of_o the_o other_o towards_o the_o sea_n be_v xij_o foot_n broad_a and_o that_o the_o sluice_n build_v in_o the_o river_n of_o quappelodeâ—_n â—_z from_o the_o fen_n to_o the_o sea_n from_o thenceforth_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o and_o the_o say_a juror_n for_o safeguard_n of_o the_o town_n of_o holbeche_n say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a sewer_n call_v puluâ—rgote_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v remove_v because_o it_o do_v damnify_v the_o whole_a town_n and_o that_o the_o stream_n of_o holbeche_n from_o bodinesbrigge_n to_o the_o sea_n aught_o to_o be_v cleanse_v as_o also_o that_o the_o say_a town_n of_o holbeche_n can_v not_o be_v effectual_o drayn_v by_o one_o gutter_n except_o another_o be_v make_v in_o jocesaculand_n by_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o creek_n call_v fouleflete_a and_o they_o likewise_o present_v that_o the_o southhedic_n of_o gedeney_n and_o flete_n from_o the_o town_n of_o sutton_n unto_o the_o town_n of_o holbeche_n aught_o to_o be_v repair_v and_o make_v thick_a than_o it_o have_v wont_a to_o be_v by_o three_o foot_n and_o that_o the_o sewer_n call_v the_o grist_n be_v obstruct_v by_o adam_n fitz_fw-fr alan_n and_o john_n fitz_fw-fr alan_n as_o also_o that_o the_o bridge_n call_v igerambrigge_n be_v break_v and_o ought_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o town_n of_o multon_n and_o they_o say_v that_o all_o these_o ordinance_n be_v to_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o the_o town_n of_o spalding_n and_o pinchebec_n and_o the_o other_o town_n beforementioned_a and_o that_o every_o acre_n ought_v to_o be_v equal_a in_o all_o assessment_n and_o charge_n for_o the_o gutter_n sewer_n bridge_n and_o other_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v repair_v and_o that_o all_o the_o defect_n in_o those_o bank_n and_o in_o the_o frontier_n which_o occasion_v they_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v survey_v in_o such_o sort_n as_o the_o bill_n fix_v to_o the_o say_a inquisition_n do_v assign_v and_o by_o another_o inquisition_n b._n take_v on_o saturday_n be_v the_o morrow_n after_o holy_a rood_n day_n in_o the_o xviiijth_o year_n of_o the_o say_a king_n edward_n the_o second_o be_v reign_v before_o the_o say_v roger_n william_n and_o alan_n the_o juror_n present_v that_o the_o sewer_n which_o lead_v from_o peseholmgate_n in_o spalding_n be_v very_o ancient_a but_o that_o the_o course_n of_o the_o water_n be_v in_o part_n new_o change_v the_o length_n of_o one_o furlong_n for_o the_o more_o benefit_n than_o it_o have_v be_v former_o as_o it_o be_v believe_v and_o this_o by_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o prior_n and_o covent_n of_o spalding_n and_o that_o the_o gutter_n new_o place_v there_o be_v in_o breadth_n three_o foot_n and_o a_o half_a whereunto_o a_o sewer_n of_o fourteen_o foot_n in_o breadth_n do_v suffice_v aswell_o for_o drayn_v the_o land_n belong_v to_o the_o abbot_n of_o croyland_n and_o his_o tenant_n as_o the_o land_n of_o the_o beforementioned_a prior_n and_o his_o tenant_n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o gutter_n of_o fulne_v and_o that_o of_o coldalegote_n as_o also_o the_o sewer_n call_v eusinersgote_v and_o the_o gutter_n call_v stelgote_v be_v principal_a gutter_n be_v break_v and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o repair_n so_o that_o without_o the_o help_n of_o peseholme_n goat_n they_o will_v not_o suffice_v nor_o peseholme_n gote_v without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o say_a gutter_n they_o all_o be_v in_o such_o great_a decay_n and_o that_o the_o hevedinge_n of_o spalding_n on_o westone_n side_n have_v use_v and_o ought_v to_o be_v whole_a but_o then_o be_v cut_v through_o in_o divers_a place_n upon_o the_o land_n of_o the_o prior_n of_o spalding_n and_o other_o by_o reason_n of_o which_o cut_v the_o water_n of_o westone_n do_v overflow_v the_o land_n of_o spalding_n to_o the_o common_a damage_n of_o the_o say_a town_n in_o the_o same_o year_n have_v dorso_fw-la the_o say_a roger_n nich_n de_fw-fr leek_n john_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr gotere_n of_o boston_n and_o roger_n de_fw-fr kymberle_n for_o those_o on_o the_o sea_n coast_n and_o part_n adjacent_a within_o the_o wapentake_n of_o skirbek_n divers_a other_o commission_n also_o be_v issue_v out_o in_o the_o like_a kind_n in_o king_n edw._n the_o three_o time_n viz._n in_o dorso_fw-la 1_o e._n 3._o to_o humphrey_n de_fw-fr litlebury_n william_n de_fw-fr dunton_n and_o william_n de_fw-fr farford_n for_o the_o bank_n in_o sundry_a part_n of_o this_o province_n in_o 3_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_o richard_n de_fw-fr castreton_n william_n de_fw-fr fairford_n and_o john_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr gotere_n for_o those_o
lose_v to_o the_o value_n of_o xl_o l._n in_o this_o distress_n the_o people_n of_o the_o town_n flee_v to_o the_o church_n for_o refuge_n some_o to_o haystack_n some_o to_o the_o baulk_n in_o the_o house_n till_o they_o be_v near_o famish_v poor_a woman_n leave_v their_o child_n swim_v in_o their_o bed_n till_o good_a people_n adventure_v their_o life_n go_v up_o to_o the_o breast_n in_o the_o water_n to_o fetch_v they_o out_o at_o the_o window_n whereof_o mr._n browne_n the_o minister_n do_v fetch_v divers_a to_o the_o church_n upon_o his_o back_n and_o have_v it_o not_o please_v god_n to_o move_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o mayor_n and_o alderman_n of_o king_n lynne_z with_o compassion_n who_o send_v beer_n and_o victual_n thither_o by_o boat_n many_o have_v perish_v which_o boat_n come_v the_o direct_a way_n over_o the_o soil_n from_o lynne_n to_o terington_n 3_o that_o the_o creek_n which_o now_o run_v under_o terington_n bank_n and_o underneath_o they_o have_v within_o four_o or_o five_o year_n last_o pass_v run_v half_o a_o mile_n off_o and_o that_o about_o xx_o year_n since_o it_o do_v run_v about_o a_o mile_n off_o 4_o we_o think_v that_o the_o approach_n of_o the_o say_a creek_n be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o decay_n and_o overthrow_v of_o the_o say_a bank_n and_o that_o at_o this_o present_a the_o say_a creek_n run_v where_o bank_n have_v late_o stand_v be_v twenty-four_o foot_n deep_a or_o more_o at_o a_o low_a water_n and_o that_o by_o the_o say_a outrage_n there_o be_v four_o other_o great_a creek_n wear_v in_o the_o whole_a ground_n to_o the_o town-ward_n where_o there_o be_v corn_n reap_v the_o last_o harvest_n whereof_o two_o of_o the_o say_a creek_n be_v fourscore_o foot_n broad_a a_o piece_n and_o near_o thirty_o foot_n deep_a and_o be_v wear_v to_o the_o town-ward_n within_o ten_o rod_n of_o the_o indyke_n by_o the_o reflow_a and_o ebb_v of_o the_o water_n from_o out_o of_o the_o town_n to_o the_o seaward_o and_o that_o these_o creek_n be_v so_o wear_v within_o the_o space_n of_o xlviij_o hour_n 5_o we_o say_v that_o the_o township_n of_o terington_n stand_v chardged_a with_o xic_n rod_n of_o bank_n at_o xuj_o foot_n to_o the_o rod_n which_o within_o 50_o year_n last_o pass_v cost_v make_v mmxx_o l._n and_o that_o ninescore_o rod_n part_v thereof_o have_v by_o the_o space_n of_o xx_o year_n last_o pass_v be_v make_v with_o earth_n straw_n and_o wood_n at_o iiijl._o the_o rod_n per_fw-la annum_fw-la which_o be_v for_o every_o year_n 720l._o there_o have_v be_v more_o fourscore_o and_o two_o rod_n part_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n make_v very_o strong_o with_o lime_n and_o stone_n which_o cost_n the_o first_o make_v betwixt_o xuj_o and_o xxl._o the_o rod_n amount_v to_o mmml._o there_o be_v more_o six_o rod_n of_o stone_n wall_n make_v which_o cost_v ccl._o the_o yearly_a repair_n of_o the_o say_a stone_n wall_n have_v cost_v by_o the_o space_n of_o xij_o or_o fourteen_o year_n last_o past_o ccl._o the_o repair_n of_o viic_n liiij_o rode_n the_o residue_n of_o the_o say_v xic_a rod_n cost_v seven_o year_n since_o ccclxxiijl._o and_o now_o upon_o this_o rage_n will_v cost_v more_o there_o be_v also_o two_o inbank_n lose_v by_o the_o say_a outrage_n which_o be_v make_v within_o ten_o year_n last_o pass_v and_o cost_v cccc_o l._n also_o one_o other_o indike_n make_v the_o last_o year_n which_o cost_v make_v dxcviii_o l._n and_o be_v now_o ruinate_v by_o this_o last_o rage_n to_o the_o value_n of_o cxx_o l._n there_o be_v also_o expose_v to_o the_o sea_n this_o last_o year_n without_o the_o say_v indike_n cxxxvi_o acre_n for_o which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o sewer_n a_o allowance_n of_o fifty_o shilling_n the_o acre_n be_v and_o must_v be_v pay_v amount_v to_o the_o sum_n of_o cccxx_o l._n 6_o we_o say_v that_o the_o salt_n marsh_n of_o terington_n be_v exceed_o wear_v away_o for_o the_o king_n majesty_n have_v one_o marsh_n in_o the_o occupation_n of_o awdley_n lad_n alias_o baker_n or_o his_o assign_v call_v the_o gonge_a marsh_n which_o by_o report_n have_v contain_v about_o ccc_o acre_n and_o within_o thirty_o year_n last_o pass_v contain_v lx._n acre_n which_o be_v now_o all_o wear_v to_o the_o sea_n and_o his_o majesty_n have_v lose_v more_o within_o these_o thirty_o year_n c_o acres_n of_o marsh_n be_v part_n of_o other_o marsh_n which_o the_o say_a mr._n lad_n hold_v by_o lease_n of_o his_o majesty_n which_o marsh_n be_v as_o we_o suppose_v chief_o waste_v or_o decay_v for_o want_v of_o keep_v and_o maintain_v of_o divers_a dam_n which_o be_v name_v and_o set_v down_o hereafter_o in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o xiith_o article_n 7_o we_o say_v that_o the_o water_n of_o wisebeche_n and_o elm_n have_v ancient_o fall_v to_o the_o four_o goat_n as_o they_o now_o do_v and_o from_o thence_o they_o have_v fall_v to_o the_o sea_n within_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n more_o than_o a_o mile_n off_o from_o terington_n banks_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o in_o ancient_a time_n they_o have_v fall_v to_o the_o sea_n much_o far_o off_o but_o in_o our_o opinion_n upon_o our_o view_n take_v they_o may_v be_v carry_v at_o this_o time_n a_o near_a way_n to_o the_o sea_n viz._n from_o the_o four_o goat_n aforesaid_a over_o tide_n marsh_n and_o sutton_n marsh_n unto_o a_o creek_n there_o call_v king_n creek_n and_o there_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o deep_a call_v lutton_n leame_z and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n which_o be_v a_o short_a course_n for_o the_o river_n by_o vi_o mile_n and_o have_v a_o much_o better_a out-fall_a 8_o we_o say_v that_o all_o the_o town_n within_o the_o isle_n which_o have_v be_v heretofore_o chardged_a with_o the_o maintenance_n of_o wisebech_n river_n and_o such_o other_o town_n in_o northamptonshire_n and_o huntingdonshire_n border_v on_o the_o say_a isle_n between_o peterborough_n and_o somersham_n who_o have_v heretofore_o contribute_v to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o clow_n across_o drayne_n or_o wysebech_n river_n shall_v in_o our_o opinion_n be_v benefit_v thereby_o and_o the_o town_n of_o walpole_n and_o terington_n proportionable_o but_o for_o the_o portion_n of_o money_n to_o be_v particular_o rate_v upon_o every_o several_a town_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o far_a consideration_n 9_o we_o say_v that_o we_o hold_v it_o convenient_a there_o be_v a_o new_a indike_n take_v at_o terington_n for_o the_o present_a and_o better_a preservation_n of_o the_o say_a town_n but_o whether_o the_o say_v indike_n will_v defend_v the_o town_n any_o long_a time_n except_o the_o water_n be_v divert_v and_o the_o marsh_n imbank_v we_o know_v not_o 10_o nihil_fw-la 11_o nihil_fw-la 12_o we_o say_v that_o these_o marsh_n follow_v be_v very_o much_o decay_v for_o want_v of_o make_v and_o maintain_v of_o dam_n viz_o between_o one_o marsh_n in_o the_o tenure_n of_o awdley_n lad_n and_o one_o other_o marsh_n call_v the_o new_a marsh_n be_v also_o the_o king_n majesty_n be_v in_o the_o tenure_n of_o sir_n robert_n wind_n or_o his_o assign_v there_o be_v a_o creek_n call_v hurdle_n fleet_n which_o it_o x_o rod_n broad_a and_o xx_o foot_n deep_a within_o the_o level_n soil_n be_v on_o the_o east_n side_n of_o the_o ewe_n marsh_n and_o the_o myssâ—e_n which_o creek_n continual_o flow_v and_o reflow_v dangerous_o over_o the_o marsh_n but_o in_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n it_o have_v not_o be_v dam_v neither_o can_v we_o present_v who_o ought_v to_o do_v the_o same_o there_o be_v also_o another_o fleet_n call_v ground_n fleet_n upon_o the_o west_n side_n of_o ewe_n marsh_n and_o the_o marsh_n of_o mr._n judde_n which_o contain_v in_o breadth_n 5_o rod_n and_o in_o depth_n xuj_o foot_n within_o the_o level_n soil_n which_o fleet_n be_v never_o dam_v within_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n there_o be_v also_o another_o fleet_n on_o the_o west_n side_n of_o mr._n iudd_n marsh_n and_o the_o marsh_n of_o edmund_n riches_n that_o be_v in_o breadth_n four_o road_n and_o in_o depth_n x_o foot_n which_o likewise_o within_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n be_v never_o dam_v which_o say_v fleet_n in_o our_o opinion_n be_v great_a occasion_n of_o wear_v away_o the_o marsh_n there_o there_o be_v also_o a_o passage_n way_n or_o chase_n on_o the_o west_n side_n of_o ewe_n marsh_n which_o be_v call_v uuaterlese_fw-mi diche_fw-it and_o on_o the_o east_n side_n of_o mrs._n rachel_n and_o anne_n deane_n and_o the_o marsh_n of_o nicholas_n judde_n which_o chase_n be_v not_o maintain_v with_o dam_n as_o within_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n it_o have_v be_v to_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o marsh_n but_o who_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o we_o be_v ignorant_a 13_o nihil_fw-la 14_o nihil_fw-la 15_o we_o say_v that_o in_o our_o opinion_n it_o be_v very_o convenient_a
for_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o say_a town_n and_o that_o no_o law_n of_o sewer_n can_v compel_v they_o thereto_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o king_n be_v lord_n of_o the_o same_o town_n which_o be_v likewise_o the_o key_n and_o safety_n of_o other_o town_n of_o his_o majesty_n adjoin_v they_o humble_o pray_v the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o say_a lord_n to_o the_o king_n to_o take_v care_n and_o consideration_n of_o they_o therein_o date_v at_o king_n lynne_n 20_o jan._n 1613._o and_o to_o add_v to_o these_o loss_n such_o be_v the_o snow_n that_o fall_v in_o january_n and_o february_n ensue_v which_o occasion_v mighty_a flood_n from_o the_o upland_n country_n upon_o their_o go_v away_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o country_n be_v wiseâ—eche_n overflow_v with_o the_o fresh_a water_n viz._n from_o their_o bank_n call_v the_o edge_n between_o their_o town_n and_o the_o smethe_v unto_o the_o new_a po_n dike_v through_o divers_a breach_n between_o salter_n load_n and_o dounham_n bridge_n moreover_o about_o four_o year_n after_o viz._n 15_o aug._n 1618._o 16_o jac._n the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o country_n jacâ—_n and_o part_n adjoin_v exhibit_v a_o petition_n b._n to_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n show_v that_o lynne_n haven_n be_v through_o outrageousness_n of_o the_o tide_n make_v much_o wide_a than_o former_o and_o do_v put_v the_o country_n to_o a_o excessive_a charge_n in_o the_o restrain_v of_o its_o wear_n more_o broad_a and_o deep_a and_o therefore_o desire_v that_o they_o will_v take_v view_n thereof_o and_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v straighten_v according_a to_o the_o precedent_n of_o former_a time_n limit_v such_o fresh_a water_n as_o do_v help_v to_o the_o increase_n thereof_o unto_o their_o proper_a outfall_n the_o like_a a._n petition_n do_v they_o prefer_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o privy_a council_n the_o 13_o of_o november_n follow_v whereupon_o there_o be_v this_o ensue_a order_n b._n make_v by_o that_o honourable_a board_n viz_o that_o a_o special_a commission_n shall_v be_v direct_v unto_o certain_a gentleman_n indifferent_o choose_v out_o of_o all_o those_o part_n together_o with_o the_o mayor_n and_o some_o alderman_n of_o lynne_n to_o consider_v of_o the_o conveniency_n or_o inconveniency_n of_o the_o work_n as_o also_o to_o what_o scantling_n it_o shall_v be_v make_v narrow_a and_o the_o charge_n thereof_o and_o so_o to_o proceed_v therein_o but_o to_o respite_v the_o execute_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n till_o according_a to_o the_o law_n make_v in_o august_n before_o for_o open_v the_o river_n of_o uueland_n and_o nene_n that_o work_n be_v do_v but_o if_o there_o be_v delay_n in_o open_v of_o those_o river_n and_o complaint_n make_v unto_o the_o say_a lord_n thereof_o some_o course_n shall_v be_v take_v for_o their_o coercion_n &_o for_o preserve_v of_o marshland_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n &_o also_o of_o the_o part_n adjacent_a from_o eminent_a danger_n after_o this_o viz._n upon_o the_o ten_o of_o december_n jac._n an._n 1619._o 17_o jac._n the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n sit_v at_o peterborough_n and_o have_v in_o consideration_n the_o set_n up_o of_o a_o sluse_n at_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v the_o horseshoe_n such_o be_v then_o the_o side_v of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n that_o the_o jury_n become_v divide_v in_o opinion_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v do_v therein_o they_o signify_v â—_o as_o much_o to_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n whereupon_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o marshland_n exhibit_v a_o petition_n b._n to_o that_o honourable_a board_n implore_v their_o care_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o that_o country_n and_o intimatate_v that_o the_o erection_n of_o that_o intend_a sluse_n will_v be_v a_o apparent_a overthrow_n thereof_o which_o petition_v occasion_v the_o say_a lord_n to_o write_v unto_o the_o beforementioned_a commissioner_n by_o which_o letter_n a._n they_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o outfall_n to_o the_o sea_n before_o they_o draw_v down_o the_o water_n from_o the_o high_a country_n that_o may_v oppress_v marshland_n and_o the_o low_a part_n adjoin_v in_o the_o county_n of_o lincoln_n and_o norfolk_n and_o wish_v they_o that_o in_o case_n they_o shall_v differ_v in_o opinion_n how_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v best_o effect_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o two_o commissioner_n out_o of_o each_o of_o their_o county_n who_o may_v be_v instruct_v to_o give_v they_o true_a information_n of_o their_o difference_n and_o that_o then_o they_o will_v endeavour_v to_o give_v such_o far_a direction_n as_o may_v best_o advance_v the_o public_a good_a with_o the_o least_o prejudice_n to_o the_o private_a whereupon_o they_o meet_v at_o wisebeche_n and_o appoint_a mr._n henry_n kervill_n and_o mr._n robert_n balam_n with_o some_o other_o to_o take_v view_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o this_o country_n on_o tirington_n side_n by_o the_o fret_a of_o the_o channel_n as_o it_o then_o run_v and_o to_o certify_v who_o according_o do_v view_v the_o same_o and_o certify_v that_o the_o channel_n of_o fresh_a water_n as_o it_o then_o run_v do_v very_o much_o hurt_v to_o tirington_n and_o the_o whole_a country_n of_o marshland_n and_o that_o by_o convey_v more_o water_n that_o way_n the_o whole_a country_n will_v be_v endanger_v and_o therefore_o for_o the_o better_o safety_n thereof_o they_o express_v that_o they_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o a_o new_a cut_n make_v from_o the_o four_o goat_n over_o tide_n and_o sutton_n marsh_n unto_o king_n creek_n will_v be_v the_o best_a issue_n for_o those_o water_n the_o river_n nene_n be_v bring_v from_o pâ—terborough_n to_o guyhyrne_n between_o sufficient_a bank_n for_o the_o better_a grind_n of_o the_o out-fall_a and_o that_o the_o river_n shall_v be_v cut_v straight_o from_o the_o horseshoe_n to_o the_o four_o goat_n and_o in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o king_n lynne_z 23_o junii_fw-la 6_o caroli_n recital_n be_v make_v that_o whereas_o the_o land-holders_n of_o elm_n oldfield_n in_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n at_o the_o like_a session_n hold_v at_o king_n linne_n 17_o apr._n 8_o jacobi_fw-la obtain_v a_o law_n for_o the_o downfall_n of_o water_n in_o the_o say_v oldfield_n land_n through_o the_o out-rinde_n bank_n of_o marshland_n under_o certain_a condition_n and_o limitation_n express_v in_o the_o say_a law_n and_o under_o the_o pain_n of_o xll._o by_o they_o to_o be_v forfiet_v to_o the_o king_n majesty_n his_o heir_n and_o successor_n in_o case_n they_o shall_v take_v in_o any_o water_n out_o of_o any_o other_o field_n in_o elm_n or_o welle_v and_o the_o abuse_n in_o execution_n of_o that_o law_n have_v be_v very_o hurtful_a and_o dangerous_a to_o the_o country_n of_o marshland_n and_o town_n of_o uuigenhall_n in_o their_o several_a pasture_n and_o fen-ground_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o abundance_n of_o fresh_a water_n come_v out_o of_o the_o say_a field_n at_o a_o sluse_n make_v in_o oldfield_n bank_n call_v brokendike_n more_o than_o the_o own_o water_n of_o the_o say_v oldfield_n do_v afford_v for_o that_o there_o be_v no_o provision_n in_o the_o say_a law_n for_o stop_v they_o up_o if_o they_o shall_v take_v in_o or_o suffer_v any_o foreign_a or_o other_o water_n to_o come_v into_o the_o say_a oldfield_n for_o under_o colour_n and_o pretence_n of_o the_o say_v oldfield_n water_n they_o take_v into_o the_o say_a oldfield_n and_o sesse_n field_n other_o water_n and_o also_o other_o water_n at_o the_o sluse_n call_v mildam_n and_o put_v into_o their_o oldfield_n fresh_a water_n out_o of_o the_o river_n for_o the_o fill_n of_o their_o dikes_n and_o so_o when_o any_o great_a rain_n fall_v do_v put_v those_o warer_n into_o marshland_n and_o also_o by_o mean_n of_o not_o sufficient_a keep_n and_o maintain_v the_o river_n banks_n against_o oldfield_n at_o lung_n drove_n end_n that_o the_o river_n water_n do_v run_v into_o the_o field_n there_o very_o extreme_o in_o wet_a winter_n and_o most_o especial_o the_o winter_n precede_v and_o that_o whereas_o at_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o beawford_n hall_n by_o friday_n bridge_n 27_o martii_fw-la 9_o jacobi_fw-la by_o a_o law_n of_o sewer_n then_o and_o there_o make_v the_o land-holders_n and_o other_o of_o waterseye_n in_o elm_n have_v a_o drayn_n make_v from_o friday_n bridge_n in_o the_o dyke_n of_o the_o north_n side_n of_o needham_n dike_v be_v the_o fence-dyke_n of_o oldfield_n and_o say_v field_n and_o so_o to_o welle_v and_o from_o thence_o into_o the_o old_a pow_n dike_v of_o marshland_n and_o so_o through_o the_o old_a pow_n dike_v at_o chamber_n be_v house_n in_o stow_n and_o so_o to_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n with_o certain_a sluice_n make_v upon_o the_o say_v drayn_n to_o stop_v and_o restrain_v the_o water_n when_o they_o do_v arise_v and_o exceed_v the_o superficies_n of_o the_o ground_n by_o reason_n whereof_o when_o the_o slusâ—_n at_o
to_o the_o sluse_n by_o ouse_n cxiiii_o rod_n and_o a_o half_a and_o they_o then_o also_o decree_v that_o for_o take_v away_o of_o the_o sock_n of_o bishop_n dike_n and_o better_a drayn_n of_o this_o fen_n a_o drayn_n shall_v be_v make_v under_o bishop_n dike_v within_o the_o say_a fen_n thirty_o foot_n at_o the_o least_o from_o the_o say_v bishop_n dike_n in_o breadth_n x_o foot_n and_o depth_n ....._o the_o menour_n whereof_o to_o be_v cast_v towards_o bishop_n dike_a the_o which_o drayn_n to_o begin_v at_o fenbridge_n and_o to_o go_v to_o the_o barrs_n that_o part_n the_o fen_n in_o the_o possession_n of_o alex._n baalam_n gent._n etc._n etc._n thence_o to_o a_o pair_n of_o barrs_n stand_v on_o bishop_n dike_a next_o to_o the_o west_n corner_n of_o malles_fw-la fen_n then_o to_o the_o drain_n call_v langbech_n thence_o to_o dod_n style_v and_o thence_o under_o greendike_n to_o the_o sluse_n late_o erect_v at_o s._n christopher_n chapel_n and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v another_o sewer_n make_v from_o hall_n fen_n to_o the_o say_a sluice_n at_o st._n christopher_n chapel_n and_o likewise_o that_o a_o ancient_a sewer_n belong_v to_o the_o say_a fen_n call_v knight_n dike_v beginning_n near_o benford_n hall_n now_o mr._n alex._n balaam_n house_n and_o so_o pass_v under_o needham_n dike_v on_o the_o north_n so_o unto_o elm_n drive_v and_o thence_o to_o the_o drive_v in_o burial_n field_n near_o s._n christopher_n chapel_n shall_v be_v keep_v and_o maintain_v in_o breadth_n twelve_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n five_o and_o moreover_o that_o the_o agisted_a dike_n call_v ea_fw-la brink_n begin_v at_o needham_n dike_v and_o extend_v from_o maryes_fw-mi dam_n unto_o dod_n stile_n shall_v be_v from_o time_n to_o time_n repair_v and_o that_o for_o default_n in_o payment_n of_o the_o acreshot_a the_o dikereeve_v to_o levy_v for_o every_o iiiid._o by_o they_o expend_v vid._o and_o for_o every_o iiiid._o unpaid_a to_o levy_v vid._o likewise_o that_o a_o indike_n be_v make_v on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o the_o sewer_n extend_v from_o hodghirnâ—_n through_o bardolph_n fen_n and_o a_o new_a sluse_n near_o the_o river_n ouse_n at_o the_o east_n end_n of_o common_a load_n and_o a_o acreshot_a of_o xiid._o the_o acre_n impose_v upon_o all_o the_o land_n in_o nedham_n and_o burial_n for_o support_v the_o charge_n thereof_o and_o that_o for_o default_n in_o payment_n of_o the_o acreshot_a distress_n shall_v be_v take_v and_o sell_v restore_v the_o surplusage_n in_o any_o market_n within_o ten_o mile_n and_o at_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n b._n hold_v at_o lynne_n regis_fw-la ult_n sept._n 33_o eliz._n before_o sir_n john_n peyton_n knight_n nich._n hare_n hâ—mfr_n guibon_n edm._n bell_n rob._n forest_n tho._n oxburgh_n alex._n balam_n john_n willoughby_n and_o miles_n forest_n esquire_n it_o be_v far_o order_v that_o whereas_o the_o acreshot_n impose_v upon_o richard_n fyncham_n gent._n towards_o the_o drayn_n of_o nedham_n fen_n amount_v to_o xxxvil._o viiis._o be_v not_o pay_v noâ—_n any_o distress_n to_o be_v find_v upon_o the_o ground_n charge_v therewith_o and_o that_o rich._n fyncham_n and_o rob._n fyncham_n interest_v in_o the_o reversion_n of_o the_o say_a land_n do_v refuse_v to_o pay_v the_o same_o that_o john_n fyncham_n of_o upwell_n gent._n have_v pay_v the_o say_a sum_n to_o the_o dikereeve_v shall_v have_v the_o say_v land_n for_o a_o certain_a term_n of_o year_n upon_o the_o 19_o of_o sept._n 39_o eliz._n at_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v by_o edmund_n bell_n john_n reppe_n tho._n hewar_n tho._n oxburge_n rich._n ogle_n anthony_n irby_n alexan._n balam_n william_n guibon_n and_o john_n hunt_v esquire_n there_o be_v certain_a law_n and_o ordinance_n 27._o make_v concern_v the_o course_n of_o welney_n stream_n and_o welle_v stream_n with_o other_o sewer_n the_o substance_n whereof_o be_v as_o follow_v viz._n whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o not_o only_o the_o river_n of_o grant_n law_n nene_n ouse_n and_o weland_n but_o the_o land-water_n from_o the_o county_n of_o hunt_n northampton_n cambr._n and_o norâ—f_o and_o some_o part_n of_o suff._n which_o border_n upon_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n eliz_n do_v stay_n in_o the_o fenny_a ground_n of_o the_o say_a isle_n etc._n etc._n forasmuch_o as_o neither_o the_o several_a river_n nor_o the_o other_o stream_n that_o be_v feed_v with_o the_o same_o as_o march_z stream_n the_o new_a leame_z the_o west-water_n and_o divers_a load_v within_o those_o limit_n be_v sufficient_o cleanse_v not_o imbank_v for_o the_o ready_a conveyance_n of_o they_o to_o the_o sea_n by_o mean_n whereof_o the_o out-ring_n bank_n of_o depe_v croyland_n and_o south_n ea_fw-la in_o com._n linc._n and_o the_o fen_n dike_v waltersey_n bank_n bishop_n dike_a elm_n i_fw-mi brink_n coldham_n and_o redmore_n bank_n in_o the_o say_a isle_n of_o ely_n and_o the_o out-ring_n of_o marshland_n as_o also_o the_o new_a powdike_a in_o com._n norff._n be_v in_o year_n of_o water_n much_o chargeable_a to_o the_o owner_n and_o inhabitant_n of_o those_o country_n and_o those_o fenny_a ground_n lie_v unprofitable_a the_o say_a commissioner_n deliberate_o consider_v the_o redress_n do_v conceive_v that_o by_o renew_v of_o the_o former_a depth_n and_o wideness_n of_o those_o river_n load_v and_o stream_n as_o also_o of_o the_o decay_a bank_n and_o by_o far_o imbank_v in_o place_n convenient_a the_o say_v marish_a ground_n will_v be_v perfect_v or_o much_o amend_v and_o therefore_o do_v ordain_v that_o welney_n stream_n and_o well_o stream_n from_o litelport_n chair_n to_o well_o ea_fw-la and_o so_o towards_o elm_n as_o the_o same_o have_v be_v accustom_v to_o have_v their_o fall_n and_o march_v stream_n unto_o shrewysn_a where_o it_o fall_v into_o well_o stream_n as_o also_o that_o the_o water_n of_o south_n ea_fw-la ancient_o call_v the_o old_a ea_fw-la from_o clow_n cross_n unto_o guy_n hirne_n before_o the_o x_o of_o december_n which_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o year_n 1598._o shall_v be_v cleanse_v and_o scour_v by_o such_o as_o be_v to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o that_o the_o lode_n call_v small_a load_n from_o the_o great_a river_n in_o upwell_n to_o ingram_n hyrn_v be_v scour_v by_o sir_n john_n peyton_n knight_n dame_n dorothy_n his_o wife_n or_o edm._n bell_n esquire_n for_o their_o land_n in_o upwell_n and_o outwell_n parcel_n of_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o late_a abbey_n of_o dereham_n and_o thence_o to_o seman_n goole_n and_o thence_o to_o northdelph_n by_o those_o who_o land_n lie_v adjacent_a thereto_o so_o also_o darcey-lode_n and_o coxlode_v likewise_o that_o maid_n load_n and_o ship_n load_n and_o the_o moiety_n of_o london_n load_n which_o end_v at_o northdelph_n shall_v be_v perfect_v the_o bank_n to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o bottom_n xuj_o foot_n and_o four_o in_o the_o top_n and_o five_o foot_n in_o height_n and_o the_o say_v maidlode_v to_o be_v five_o foot_n deep_a and_o thirty_o foot_n wide_a by_o the_o space_n of_o the_o first_o 2_o mile_n thereof_o and_o for_o the_o next_o two_o mile_n in_o wideness_n 25_o foot_n and_o for_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o same_o and_o shiplode_v xx_o foot_n with_o a_o sluice_n at_o its_o fall_n into_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n in_o wideness_n twelve_o foot_n of_o water_n and_o in_o depth_n below_o the_o low-water-mark_a of_o the_o say_a river_n as_o it_o happen_v to_o be_v about_o bartholomew_n tide_n all_o to_o be_v do_v by_o those_o that_o have_v interest_n of_o common_a in_o neatmore_n and_o the_o other_o moiety_n of_o london_n load_n begin_v at_o upwell_n causey_n to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o upwell_n for_o the_o residue_n of_o their_o common_a call_v neatmore_n lie_v without_o the_o limit_n likewise_o that_o a_o tax_n of_o x_o s._n the_o acre_n be_v impose_v for_o erect_v of_o sluice_n heighten_v of_o bank_n and_o make_v of_o drayn_n and_o in_o default_n of_o payment_n thereof_o the_o one_o half_a of_o their_o land_n who_o shall_v neglect_v to_o be_v sold._n moreover_o that_o for_o drayn_v of_o denver_n fen_n a_o sewer_n of_o xviii_o or_o xx_o foot_n in_o breadth_n be_v cut_v through_o the_o same_o to_o the_o great_a river_n of_o ouse_n and_o a_o sluice_n at_o its_o entrance_n thereinto_o and_o that_o the_o bank_n call_v the_o causey_n extend_v from_o the_o cross_n at_o upwell_n town_n be_v end_n unto_o london_n load_n head_n and_o the_o bank_n call_v the_o indike_n lead_v from_o thence_o by_o the_o north_n side_n of_o london_n load_n to_o welle_v streme_a at_o northdelph_n with_o sufficient_a indikes_n to_o the_o say_a bank_n and_o causey_n shall_v before_o the_o first_o of_o jan._n next_o following_z be_v make_v and_o maintain_v of_o the_o like_a wideness_n height_n and_o breadth_n as_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v purchaser_n or_o lessee_n do_v or_o shall_v make_v they_o between_o london_n load_n
etc._n whereupon_o complaint_n be_v make_v unto_o mr._n justice_n gawdy_n and_o other_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n sit_v at_o sechie_n in_o com._n norff._n xi_o of_o april_n last_o pass_v it_o be_v by_o they_o order_v 1._o that_o the_o say_a turk_n bank_n shall_v be_v present_o cut_v 2._o that_o small_a load_n london_n load_n and_o maid_n load_n be_v sufficient_o scour_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o welle_v and_o the_o londoner_n 3._o that_o maid_n load_n be_v make_v thirty_o foot_n wide_a at_o the_o mouth_n twenty-five_o and_o xx_o foot_n at_o the_o sluâ—e_n with_o sluice_n to_o carry_v it_o and_o five_o foot_n in_o depth_n and_o so_o to_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o londoner_n as_o need_n shall_v require_v whereupon_o on_o may_n day_n follow_v the_o say_a bank_n be_v cut_v in_o many_o place_n by_o reason_n whereof_o the_o water_n run_v so_o forcible_o through_o the_o say_a cut_n that_o for_o the_o space_n of_o x_o or_o twelve_o day_n after_o it_o suck_v in_o divers_a boat_n and_o vessel_n pass_v that_o way_n and_o it_o be_v far_o present_v that_o a_o little_a without_o the_o upper_a end_n of_o this_o bank_n there_o have_v be_v a_o crest_n for_o people_n to_o travel_v on_o from_o welney_n to_o welle_v in_o the_o summer_n time_n when_o the_o water_n be_v down_o for_o which_o cause_n the_o say_a church-path_n be_v about_o fifty_o year_n pass_v make_v of_o more_o strength_n and_o height_n than_o in_o former_a time_n by_o one_o mr._n beaupre_n the_o same_o be_v not_o long_o after_o cut_v down_o in_o many_o place_n by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o bishop_n goodrick_n than_o lord_n chancellor_n of_o england_n and_o bishop_n of_o ely_n in_o 44_o eliz._n there_o be_v a_o agreement_n bear_v date_n the_o xx_o of_o march_n make_v by_o indenture_n between_o sir_n john_n peyton_n kâ—_n dame_n dorothy_n his_o wife_n and_o edmund_z bell_n esquire_n than_o owner_n of_o the_o manor_n of_o upwell_n john_n richardson_n and_o divers_a other_o who_o be_v at_o that_o time_n the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o commoner_n and_o inhabitant_n of_o upwell_n aforesaid_a and_o john_n watts_n citizen_n and_o alderman_n of_o london_n sir_n william_n cokain_n of_o london_n skinner_n and_o other_o for_o the_o drayn_n of_o divers_a fenny_a waste_n and_o commons_n contain_v about_o three_o thousand_o acre_n lie_v in_o upwell_n between_o a_o certain_a drayn_n call_v london_n load_n towards_o the_o north_n maiden_n load_n and_o ship_n load_n towards_o the_o south_n and_o towards_o the_o west_n adjoin_v to_o and_o upon_o the_o causey-bank_n extend_v from_o london_n load_n to_o welney_n and_o towards_o the_o east_n upon_o denver_n common_a for_o drayn_v and_o maintain_v whereof_o they_o be_v to_o have_v convey_v unto_o they_o their_o heir_n and_o assign_v one_o full_a moiety_n of_o the_o say_a waste_n whereupon_o with_o the_o expense_n of_o great_a sum_n of_o money_n they_o do_v accomplish_v the_o work_n and_o according_o have_v the_o say_a moiety_n thereof_o set_v out_o for_o they_o which_o they_o enjoy_v for_o divers_a year_n till_o about_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o king_n james_n his_o reign_n that_o the_o fen-water_n break_v their_o bank_n and_o drown_v all_o again_o the_o country_n people_n then_o turn_v the_o adventurer_n out_o of_o their_o possession_n which_o they_o keep_v till_o francis_n late_a earl_n of_o bedford_n beâ—ame_v the_o principal_a undertaker_n for_o drain_n of_o the_o whole_a great_a level_n and_o do_v perform_v the_o work_n but_o afterward_o his_o say_a drayn_n meeting_n with_o some_o disaster_n the_o whole_a level_n become_v total_o surround_v again_o and_o so_o continue_v until_o william_n earl_n of_o bedford_n and_o his_o participant_n do_v in_o the_o year_n 1649._o undertake_v to_o drain_v it_o anew_o which_o in_o four_o year_n time_n he_o perfect_v as_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o more_o full_o show_v whereupon_o sir_n john_n watts_n knight_n and_o some_o other_o who_o claim_v under_o the_o first_o undertaker_n beforementioned_a be_v restore_v to_o the_o possession_n thereof_o at_o a_o session_n a._n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o king_n lynne_n 1._o octob._n 7_o jacobi_fw-la before_o sir_n ralph_n hare_n sir_n thomas_n hewar_n and_o sir_n henry_n spelman_n knight_n john_n reppe_n thomas_n oxburgh_n jacobi_fw-la thomas_n athow_n rob._n gawsell_n and_o richard_n bachcroft_n esquire_n and_o other_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o the_o decree_n make_v for_o the_o drayn_n of_o needham_n fen_n and_o burial_n field_n the_o ten_o of_o october_n 31_o eliz._n shall_v be_v confirm_v in_o all_o point_n and_o a_o acreshot_v of_o xd._a the_o acre_n impose_v for_o the_o speedy_a redress_n of_o all_o default_n in_o the_o say_a drayn_n bank_n etc._n etc._n certain_a observance_n make_v upon_o the_o marsh_n below_o the_o 4_o cambridgshire_n goat_n of_o the_o outfall_n of_o wisbeche_n river_n and_o certain_a creek_n there_o with_o their_o sand_n and_o deep_n by_o richard_n atkins_n of_o utwell_n gent._n in_o june_n 1605._o jaâ—_n wisbeche_v chanel_n fall_v from_o the_o 4_o goat_n eastward_o down_o by_o walpole_n marsh_n on_o the_o east_n and_o south_n to_o crosse-key_n corner_n alias_o gates-end_n corner_n and_o from_o thence_o pass_v towards_o tirington_n bank_n leave_v to_o the_o southward_n a_o high_a score_n of_o clay_n the_o only_a preservative_n of_o the_o town_n and_o when_o it_o have_v run_v east_n as_o low_a as_o against_o the_o beacon_n then_o do_v it_o turn_v flat_a north_n under_o the_o sand_n call_v tirington_n breast_n lie_v on_o the_o east_n of_o the_o channel_n and_o so_o continue_v northwards_o by_o the_o say_a breast_n by_o the_o space_n of_o 5_o mile_n and_o there_o fall_v into_o blow_n deep_a it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o upon_o every_o flow_n there_o come_v from_o the_o north_n out_o of_o blow-deepe_a a_o tide_n which_o run_v along_o tirington_n breast_n on_o the_o east_n side_n and_o a_o sand_n call_v the_o thief_n on_o the_o west_n and_o out_o of_o the_o west_n from_o a_o channel_n call_v the_o maid_n eye_n come_v another_o tide_n and_o both_o these_o do_v meet_v within_o a_o mile_n of_o tirington_n bank_n and_o so_o meet_v do_v make_v great_a sea_n there_o and_o many_o time_n when_o the_o wind_n be_v at_o west_n or_o north_n the_o sea_n rise_v there_o high_o than_o they_o do_v ten_o mile_n off_o at_o sea_n these_o two_o tide_n thus_o unite_v with_o violence_n run_v right_a upon_o tirington_n bank_n and_o but_o that_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n have_v there_o place_v a_o score_n of_o clay_n contain_v not_o above_o a_o furlong_n in_o breadth_n the_o bank_n can_v not_o in_o man_n reason_n stand_v the_o next_o 3_o tide_n this_o score_n of_o clay_n by_o the_o fret_a of_o the_o sea_n daily_o waste_v and_o the_o people_n of_o the_o place_n not_o understand_v what_o a_o defence_n it_o be_v to_o their_o bank_n continual_o bear_v away_o the_o same_o to_o the_o repair_n of_o those_o bank_n never_o foresee_v their_o destruction_n if_o that_o score_n of_o clay_n be_v once_o go_v and_o the_o sea_n at_o the_o ordinary_a depth_n of_o his_o channel_n suffer_v to_o come_v to_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o bank_n where_o maid_n eye_n meet_v with_o tirington_n deep_a at_o the_o very_a entrance_n thereof_o at_o a_o dead_a low_a water_n it_o exceed_v not_o 5_o or_o 6_o foot_n deep_a at_o this_o day_n and_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v that_o in_o a_o great_a drought_n the_o whole_a mouth_n thereof_o of_o have_v be_v stop_v with_o sand_n but_o upon_o the_o next_o great_a fresh_a that_o happen_v all_o those_o sand_n have_v be_v remove_v and_o the_o channel_n grow_v to_o the_o old_a course_n again_o here_o be_v a_o special_a observance_n to_o be_v make_v qui_fw-la habet_fw-la intellectum_fw-la attendat_fw-la decursus_fw-la namque_fw-la aquae_fw-la dulcis_fw-la viam_fw-la praebet_fw-la marinae_fw-la oceanus_n interim_n ex_fw-la duobus_fw-la his_fw-la canalibus_fw-la aestuans_fw-la fossata_fw-la marina_fw-la alatrandâ—_n alluendo_fw-la inundando_fw-la &_o lacerando_fw-la saepissimè_fw-la gravissimeque_fw-la ita_fw-la excercet_a ut_fw-la deficientibus_fw-la aggeribus_fw-la de_fw-la quibus_fw-la malè_fw-la sustentatis_fw-la multùm_fw-la doleo_fw-la de_fw-la finali_fw-la perditione_n &_o dissolutione_n partium_fw-la adjacentium_fw-la verisimiliter_fw-la quod_fw-la absit_fw-la formidatur_fw-la nisi_fw-la &_o hinc_fw-la nascitur_fw-la periculum_fw-la &_o onus_fw-la illico_fw-la acquirendum_fw-la est_fw-la remedium_fw-la &_o salus_fw-la homines_fw-la verò_fw-la patriae_fw-la cum_fw-la plerique_fw-la inertes_fw-la sint_fw-la &_o hebeti_fw-la ingenio_fw-la in_fw-la se_fw-la inuicem_fw-la nuper_fw-la pro_fw-la fossatorum_fw-la sustentandorum_fw-la oneribus_fw-la obruentes_fw-la de_fw-la remedio_fw-la ex_fw-la sublatâ_fw-la causâ_fw-la ne_fw-la somniare_fw-la quidem_fw-la possunt_fw-la sed_fw-la nec_fw-la ingenioso_n inertiamque_fw-la svam_fw-la desidiosam_fw-la exosos_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la vivere_fw-la vix_fw-la sustinâ—re_fw-la possunt_fw-la the_o head_n of_o the_o 4_o lincolnshire_n silt_v goat_n be_v preserve_v especial_o in_o summer_n by_o two_o great_a finns_n bring_v
xxvi_o of_o september_n pâ—_n in_o a_o session_n â—_o hold_v at_o king_n linne_n in_o the_o county_n of_o norfolk_n there_o be_v another_o law_n of_o sewer_n make_v call_v low_a fen_n and_o uualsingham_n fen_n law_n the_o tenor_n whereof_o be_v as_o follow_v viz._n whereas_o there_o be_v about_o 1300_o acre_n of_o low_a ground_n lie_v together_o in_o the_o several_a parish_n of_o upwell_n and_o outwell_n in_o the_o county_n aforesaid_a between_o popham_n river_n on_o the_o south_n and_o the_o bank_n call_v bardyke_n and_o churchfield_n dike_v on_o the_o north_n and_o outwell_n crest_n towards_o the_o east_n which_o be_v preserve_v from_o overflow_a by_o the_o say_a crest_n and_o by_o the_o bank_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o popham_n river_n aforesaid_a which_o low_a ground_n may_v be_v drayn_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o say_a crest_n and_o of_o the_o north_n bank_n of_o popham_n river_n will_v be_v a_o defence_n to_o the_o new_a ☜_o powdich_n and_o a_o great_a preservation_n to_o the_o country_n of_o marshland_n and_o whereas_o the_o drain_v from_o plawfield_n in_o upwell_n to_o hodghyrne_n and_o there_o fall_v into_o rightforth_n load_n and_o thence_o by_o a_o sluse_n near_o stow_n bridge_n into_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n be_v very_o defective_a etc._n etc._n which_o be_v repair_v will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o drain_v all_o those_o low_a ground_n we_o do_v ordain_v and_o decree_v etc._n etc._n that_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a â—or_a the_o landholders_n and_o commoner_n of_o and_o in_o the_o say_v low_a ground_n etc._n etc._n to_o drain_v they_o through_o the_o say_a sewer_n and_o we_o do_v far_o ordain_v that_o the_o say_a sewer_n from_o the_o say_a sluse_n to_o a_o place_n call_v west_n head_n shall_v be_v dike_v etc._n etc._n ten_o foot_n broad_a in_o the_o bottom_n at_o the_o least_o and_o in_o depth_n proportionable_a etc._n etc._n and_o from_o thence_o to_o uuelle_fw-fr river_n x_o foot_n broad_a and_o 5_o foot_n deep_a and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o menure_n to_o be_v cast_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o say_v lode_n from_o uu_a head_n to_o the_o east_n end_n of_o hodge_n hirne_n for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o sufficient_a crest_n to_o hold_v the_o water_n within_o the_o brink_n thereof_o and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v place_v in_o the_o north_n end_n of_o churchfield_n dike_v in_o outwell_n a_o sluse_n of_o brick_n with_o a_o tunnel_n of_o two_o foot_n broad_a and_o three_o foot_n high_a with_o a_o door_n to_o be_v pull_v up_o &_o shut_v etc._n etc._n and_o from_o the_o say_a sluse_n a_o drayn_n or_o sewer_n to_o be_v make_v under_o churchfield_n dike_v on_o the_o east_n part_v thereof_o to_o the_o north_n end_n of_o champney-corner_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o continue_v the_o same_o drayn_n in_o a_o ancient_a dike_n between_o outwell_n common_a on_o the_o north_n etc._n etc._n to_o north_n delft_n 1611._o upon_o a._n tuesday_n be_v the_o 8_o of_o october_n follow_v in_o the_o night_n tide_n the_o dam_n make_v by_o mr._n hunt_v for_o coldham_n a_o little_a below_o stow_n bridge_n break_v up_o and_o on_o wednesday_n be_v inward_o take_v with_o a_o little_a light_n moor_n break_v again_o so_o likewise_o on_o thursday_n be_v take_v with_o earth_n between_o plank_n set_v end-wise_a it_o break_v again_o and_o continue_v run_v till_o sunday_n oct._n 13._o at_o which_o place_n there_o assemble_v that_o day_n sir_n ralph_n hare_n and_o six_o other_o commissioner_n who_o lay_v the_o command_n of_o the_o work_n and_o order_n of_o it_o upon_o mr._n richard_n hunt_n he_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o country_n take_v it_o in_o hand_n and_o make_v it_o firm_a before_o the_o return_n of_o the_o next_o tide_n but_o as_o we_o see_v by_o how_o little_a be_v do_v in_o this_o and_o most_o of_o the_o precedent_a year_n that_o the_o general_a drayn_n go_v but_o slow_o on_o notwithstanding_o the_o king_n himself_o as_o also_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n and_o those_o gentleman_n who_o be_v constitute_v commissioner_n for_o that_o purpose_n have_v so_o earnest_o endeavour_v the_o speed_a thereof_o so_o be_v there_o now_o such_o a_o stop_n for_o the_o space_n of_o five_o year_n at_o the_o least_o that_o there_o nothing_o appear_v of_o consequence_n to_o have_v be_v far_o prosecute_v therein_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o opposition_n which_o divers_a perverse_a spirit_v people_n make_v thereto_o by_o bring_v of_o turbulent_a suit_n in_o law_n aswell_o against_o the_o say_a commissioner_n as_o those_o who_o they_o employ_v therein_o and_o make_v of_o libellous_a song_n to_o disparage_v the_o work_n of_o which_o kind_n i_o have_v here_o think_v fit_a to_o insert_v one_o call_v the_o powte_v complaint_n come_v brethren_n of_o the_o water_n and_o let_v we_o all_o assemble_v to_o treat_v upon_o this_o matter_n which_o make_v we_o quake_v and_o tremble_v for_o we_o shall_v rue_v it_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o fen_n be_v undertake_v and_o where_o we_o feed_v in_o fen_n and_o reed_n they_o will_v feed_v both_o beef_n and_o bacon_n they_o will_v sow_v both_o bean_n and_o oat_n where_o never_o man_n yet_o think_v it_o where_o man_n do_v row_v in_o boat_n ere_o undertaker_n buy_v it_o but_o ceres_n thou_o behold_v we_o let_v wild_a oat_n be_v their_o venture_n oh_o let_v the_o frog_n and_o miry_a bog_n destroy_v where_o they_o do_v enter_v behold_v the_o great_a design_n which_o they_o do_v now_o determine_v will_v make_v our_o body_n pine_v a_o prey_n to_o crow_n and_o vermin_n for_o they_o do_v mean_v all_o fen_n to_o drain_v and_o water_n overmaster_v all_o will_v be_v dry_a and_o we_o must_v die_v because_o essex-calve_n want_v pasture_n away_o with_o boat_n and_o rodder_n farewell_n both_o boötes_n and_o skatche_n no_o need_n of_o one_o nor_o tother_o man_n now_o make_v better_a match_n stiltmaker_n all_o and_o tanner_n shall_v complain_v of_o this_o disaster_n for_o they_o will_v make_v each_o muddy_a lake_n for_o essex_n calf_n a_o pasture_n the_o feather_a fowl_n have_v wing_n to_o fly_v to_o other_o nation_n but_o we_o have_v no_o such_o thing_n to_o help_v our_o transportation_n we_o must_v give_v place_n oh_o grievous_a case_n to_o horn_a beast_n and_o cattle_n except_o that_o we_o can_v all_o agree_v to_o drive_v they_o out_o by_o battle_n wherefore_o let_v we_o entreat_v our_o ancient_a water_n nurse_n to_o show_v their_o power_n so_o great_a as_o to_o help_v to_o drain_v their_o purse_n and_o send_v we_o good_a old_a captain_n flood_n to_o lead_v we_o out_o to_o battle_n then_o twopenny_a jack_n with_o skake_n on_o his_o back_n will_v drive_v out_o all_o the_o cattle_n this_o noble_a captain_n yet_o be_v never_o know_v to_o fail_v we_o but_o do_v the_o conquest_n get_v of_o all_o that_o do_v assail_v we_o his_o furious_a rage_n none_o can_v assuage_v but_o to_o the_o world_n great_a wonder_n he_o bear_v down_o bank_n and_o break_v their_o rank_n and_o whirly-gigg_n asunder_o god_n aeolus_n we_o do_v thou_o pray_v that_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v want_v thou_o never_o say_v we_o nay_o now_o listen_v to_o our_o cant_v do_v thou_o deride_v their_o hope_n and_o pride_n that_o purpose_n our_o confusion_n and_o send_v a_o blast_n that_o they_o in_o haste_n may_v work_v no_o good_a conclusion_n great_a neptune_n god_n of_o sea_n this_o work_n must_v needs_o provoke_v thou_o they_o mean_v thou_o to_o disease_n and_o with_o fen-water_n choke_v thou_o but_o with_o thy_o mace_n do_v thou_o deface_v and_o quite_o confound_v this_o matter_n and_o send_v thy_o sand_n to_o make_v dry_a land_n when_o they_o shall_v want_v fresh_a water_n and_o eke_o we_o pray_v thou_o moon_n that_o thou_o will_v be_v propitious_a to_o see_v that_o nought_o be_v do_v to_o prosper_v the_o malicious_a though_o summer_n heat_n have_v wrought_v a_o feat_n whereby_o themselves_o they_o flatter_v yet_o be_v so_o good_a as_o send_v a_o flood_n lest_o essex_n calf_n want_v water_n upon_o great_a complaint_n therefore_o of_o these_o their_o do_n make_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n i_o find_v this_o order_n 1616._o make_v by_o they_o bearing_z date_n at_o white_a hall_n upon_o the_o 8_o of_o november_n in_o the_o xiiijth_o year_n of_o the_o say_v king_n reign_n viz._n that_o whereas_o sundry_a vexatious_a suit_n have_v be_v bring_v against_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n of_o sewer_n and_o their_o officer_n by_o divers_a obstinate_a person_n for_o execute_v the_o order_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o say_a commission_n to_o the_o great_a hazard_n of_o the_o inundation_n of_o many_o large_a level_n in_o the_o county_n of_o northt_v hunt_n cambr._n and_o linc._n that_o the_o say_a lord_n well_o weigh_v these_o undue_a proceed_n and_o the_o ancient_a law_n of_o this_o realm_n evidence_v from_o divers_a notable_a record_n in_o
which_o may_v be_v perfect_v and_o that_o those_o work_n ensue_v mention_v in_o the_o say_a law_n shall_v proceed_v and_o be_v perfect_v viz._n the_o river_n of_o ouse_n sutton-lode_n london_n load_n and_o maid_n load_n and_o that_o the_o decree_n make_v at_o stilton_n 30_o martii_fw-la then_o last_v pass_v shall_v stand_v in_o force_n and_o upon_o the_o nineteeen_o of_o june_n than_o next_o also_o ensue_v in_o far_a prosecution_n of_o this_o great_a and_o necessary_a work_n the_o say_a commissioner_n exhibit_v a_o petition_n jac._n to_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o privy_a council_n show_v that_o whereas_o sundry_a session_n have_v be_v hold_v by_o they_o since_o his_o majesty_n commission_n for_o drayn_v etc._n etc._n be_v on_o foot_n and_o nothing_o effect_v through_o the_o variety_n in_o opinion_n of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n but_o instead_o thereof_o much_o charge_n lose_v and_o that_o many_o part_n do_v thereby_o suffer_v and_o undergo_v great_a danger_n and_o therefore_o desire_v that_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o those_o country_n so_o endanger_v and_o prevention_n of_o far_a delay_n their_o lordship_n will_v please_v to_o direct_v that_o at_o the_o session_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o peterborough_n on_o the_o last_o day_n of_o that_o instant_a june_n one_o of_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o council_n may_v be_v there_o present_a with_o they_o to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o outfall_n if_o need_n shall_v require_v who_o as_o a_o person_n indifferent_a may_v inform_v their_o lordship_n of_o the_o fecibleness_n of_o the_o work_n and_o of_o the_o fit_a mean_n to_o effect_v it_o without_o or_o with_o the_o least_o loss_n to_o any_o part_n and_o that_o a_o certain_a and_o constant_a course_n may_v be_v by_o their_o lordship_n direct_v whereunto_o they_o all_o express_v themselves_o willing_a to_o submit_v upon_o which_o petition_n it_o be_v then_o order_v by_o the_o say_a lord_n that_o sir_n clement_n edmund_n knight_n shall_v meet_v the_o say_v commissioner_n at_o huntingdon_n for_o accomplishment_n of_o their_o desire_n in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o outfalls_a etc._n etc._n jac._n and_o upon_o the_o xijth_o of_o august_n next_o ensue_v at_o a_o general_a session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o huntingdon_n aforesaid_a there_o be_v appoint_v three_o commissioner_n of_o every_o county_n to_o accompany_v the_o say_a sir_n clement_n edmunds_n in_o that_o service_n who_o according_o perform_v it_o b._n and_o give_v in_o this_o follow_a certificate_n to_o that_o honourable_a board_n viz._n 〈◊〉_d 1._o that_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n in_o time_n of_o flood_n have_v in_o former_a time_n certain_a slaker_n or_o bi-sewer_n to_o receive_v part_n of_o the_o water_n wherewith_o it_o be_v overchardged_a whereof_o the_o west_n water_n at_o erith_n brigge_n be_v one_o which_o now_o for_o want_n of_o cleanse_v fall_v into_o the_o ouse_n whereas_o it_o shall_v pass_v from_o it_o 2._o that_o the_o say_a river_n be_v from_o huntingdon_n to_o the_o high_a bridge_n at_o ely_n much_o choke_v with_o weed_n and_o stop_v with_o wear_v and_o in_o divers_a place_n make_v shallow_a by_o gravels_n and_o ford_n which_o they_o call_v hards_n 3._o that_o the_o haven_n of_o lynne_n be_v through_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o tide_n and_o the_o great_a fall_n of_o fresh-water_n grow_v much_o wide_a than_o it_o have_v be_v to_o the_o endanger_n to_o marshland_n 4._o that_o the_o river_n of_o nene_n be_v also_o much_o stop_v and_o choke_v up_o so_o that_o it_o pass_v not_o out_o total_o at_o wisbeche_n which_o be_v its_o proper_a out-fall_a and_o that_o below_o wisbeche_v it_o be_v find_v near_o the_o out-fall_a six_o foot_n or_o more_o high_a in_o the_o bottom_n than_o it_o have_v be_v heretofore_o so_o that_o whereas_o the_o inland_a water_n at_o guyhirne_n which_o have_v former_o 5_o foot_n fall_v be_v not_o only_o stop_v but_o the_o river_n fall_v back_o upon_o they_o whereupon_o a_o law_n of_o sewer_n be_v make_v by_o the_o commissioner_n for_o the_o amendment_n thereof_o 5._o that_o a_o sluse_n make_v upon_o that_o river_n former_o to_o the_o great_a charge_n of_o the_o country_n stand_v not_o 7._o day_n but_o be_v blow_v up_o by_o the_o tide_n nevertheless_o that_o it_o be_v agree_v that_o after_o the_o river_n be_v again_o cleanse_v to_o a_o sufficient_a depth_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o new_a sluse_n there_o erect_v if_o need_v require_v but_o as_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o work_n for_o matter_n of_o charge_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o town_n of_o wisbech_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o upland_n country_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o say_a town_n insist_v upon_o a_o considerable_a help_n from_o they_o towards_o the_o charge_n thereof_o allege_v what_o benefit_n they_o will_v receive_v thereby_o 6._o that_o the_o say_a water_n of_o nene_n not_o have_v a_o free_a passage_n by_o wisbeche_n but_o divide_v itself_o into_o divers_a part_n do_v great_a hurt_n by_o overflow_a the_o country_n about_o thorney_n and_o crouland_n and_o that_o in_o 38._o eliz._n there_o be_v a_o drain_n agree_v on_o for_o the_o pass_v away_o part_v thereof_o at_o clow_n cross_v which_o sewer_n lie_v x._o or_o xij_o foot_n low_o than_o the_o level_n above_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v the_o best_a drain_v to_o regain_v the_o surround_v ground_n on_o the_o north_n of_o wisbeche_n 7._o that_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o marshland_n complain_v much_o of_o their_o danger_n by_o the_o run_n of_o wisbeche_n river_n from_o the_o 4._o goat_n by_o the_o skirt_n of_o marshland_n and_o that_o if_o the_o out-fall_a beforementioned_a shall_v be_v open_v whereby_o a_o great_a proportion_n of_o water_n will_v pass_v that_o way_n it_o will_v be_v much_o worse_o for_o they_o it_o be_v therefore_o agree_v that_o if_o the_o say_a river_n together_o with_o the_o drayn_n of_o clow_n cross_a be_v carry_v from_o the_o say_v 4._o goat_n by_o a_o new_a cut_n to_o be_v make_v through_o the_o saltmarsh_n to_o a_o out-fall_a call_v king_n creek_n beside_o the_o benefit_n which_o will_v arise_v by_o drayn_v of_o their_o fen_n it_o will_v secure_v marshland_n from_o danger_n and_o no_o way_n prejudice_n holland_n 8._o that_o the_o river_n of_o weland_n also_o be_v from_o crouland_n to_o spalding_n very_o defective_a for_o want_v of_o cleanse_v and_o from_o spalding_n to_o its_o meeting_n with_o glen_n near_o to_o the_o sea_n almost_o silt_v up_o insomuch_o as_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o spalding_n complain_v that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o shallows_o thereof_o which_o be_v less_o than_o half_a a_o foot_n deep_a 2._o mile_n below_o the_o town_n they_o have_v not_o wholesome_a water_n for_o their_o necessary_a use_n 9_o consider_v therefore_o these_o defect_n etc._n etc._n before_o express_v he_o propose_v to_o the_o say_a lord_n that_o some_o carâ—_n may_v be_v take_v to_o open_v those_o outfall_n and_o though_o there_o be_v many_o gentleman_n of_o good_a worth_n in_o those_o part_n who_o want_v neither_o zeal_n nor_o judgement_n to_o do_v service_n therein_o yet_o it_o be_v conceive_v that_o the_o work_n may_v be_v best_o effect_v by_o such_o as_o have_v no_o interest_n at_o all_o in_o the_o country_n but_o stand_v indifferent_a between_o all_o party_n and_o thereby_o levy_v the_o charge_n without_o partiality_n whereupon_o ensue_v certain_a order_n jac._n occasion_v by_o that_o view_n of_o the_o say_a sir_n clement_n edmunds_n and_o those_o commissioner_n viz._n 1._o that_o the_o sewer_n between_o overcote_n and_o the_o mere_a be_v open_v and_o scour_v before_o the_o last_o of_o may_v then_o next_o ensue_v sub_fw-la poena_fw-la 3s._o 4d._o per_fw-la vigam_fw-la 2._o that_o the_o west_n water_n with_o all_o the_o branch_n be_v open_v and_o scour_v by_o those_o who_o ought_v of_o right_a to_o do_v the_o same_o by_o michaelmass_n come_v twelvemonth_n than_o also_o next_o follow_v sub_fw-la eadem_fw-la poena_fw-la 3._o that_o the_o hill_n in_o humbert_n water_n be_v abate_v before_o the_o first_o of_o november_n sub_fw-la poena_fw-la 5._o libr._n 4._o that_o padnall_n lake_n from_o ouse_n to_o the_o clay_n way_n be_v scour_v xx_o foot_n wide_a and_o 4._o foot_n deep_a by_o the_o first_o of_o april_n than_o next_o ensue_v sub_fw-la poena_fw-la 5s._o per_fw-la virgam_fw-la 5._o that_o stretham_n and_o thetford_n do_v their_o drain_v by_o the_o first_o of_o may_n sub_fw-la eadem_fw-la poena_fw-la 6._o that_o popham_n ea_fw-la though_o it_o be_v respite_v be_v repute_v a_o excellent_a drain_v sir_n ralph_n hare_n and_o other_o of_o the_o commissioner_n be_v appoint_v to_o view_v its_o defect_n 7._o that_o the_o work_n in_o wisbeche_n river_n be_v perfect_v before_o the_o 20._o of_o august_n next_o 8._o that_o a_o new_a clow_n be_v set_v up_o at_o the_o charge_n of_o all_o that_o drain_v thereby_o 9_o that_o south_n ea_fw-la be_fw-mi cleanse_v after_o wisbech_n river_n and_o weland_n
at_o least_o which_o be_v a_o very_a great_a work_n 2._o the_o middle_a level_n also_o they_o defend_v from_o peterborough_n water_n by_o a_o large_a bank_n make_v from_o peterborough_n to_o wisebeche_v this_o be_v raise_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o that_o which_o the_o king_n begin_v except_v a_o little_a turn_n in_o waldersey_n bank_n from_o the_o river_n ouse_n they_o likewise_o defend_v it_o by_o a_o great_a bank_n extend_v from_o erith_n to_o salter_n load_n on_o the_o north_n west_n side_n of_o bedford_n river_n and_o make_v another_o new_a river_n parallel_n to_o the_o say_v bedford_n river_n from_o erith_n to_o salter_n load_n aforesaid_a contain_v a_o hundred_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o imbank_v it_o with_o bank_n on_o borh_fw-mi side_n of_o threescore_o foot_n wide_a at_o the_o bottom_n ten_o at_o the_o top_n and_o eight_o foot_n in_o height_n the_o other_o new_a drayn_n which_o he_o and_o his_o participant_n make_v or_o repair_v within_o this_o level_n be_v these_o viz._n uermudens_n ea_fw-la hamond_n ea_fw-la stony_a draine_n nene_n old_a channel_n pophams_n ea_fw-la marshland_n cut_v moor_n drayne_n witlesey_n dikes_n and_o some_o other_o small_a one_o and_o the_o sluice_n those_o at_o salter_n load_n pophams_n ea_fw-la and_o marshland_n cutts_n 3._o for_o scouâ—ing_v the_o south_n level_v from_o the_o overflowing_n of_o ouse_n they_o raise_v also_o a_o great_a bank_n from_o over_n to_o salter_n load_n the_o lesser_a river_n viz._n of_o grant_v mildenhall_n brandon_n and_o stoke_n be_v defend_v by_o small_a bank_n from_o salter_n load_n to_o stow_n bridge_n they_o likewise_o cause_v a_o large_a river_n of_o one_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o foot_n wide_a and_o ten_o foot_n deep_a to_o be_v cut_v for_o the_o more_o speedy_a convey_n away_o of_o the_o water_n which_o river_n be_v now_o call_v downham_n ea_fw-la as_o also_o two_o great_a sass_n at_o salter_n load_n for_o the_o passage_n of_o boat_n and_o other_o great_a vessel_n with_o three_o sluice_n at_o the_o end_n of_o downham_n ea_fw-la and_o divers_a small_a drayn_n viz._n grunty_n fen_n drayn_n the_o in-drayn_a to_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o hundred_o foot_n river_n reach_v load_n and_o many_o other_o so_o that_o have_v accomplish_v the_o whole_a work_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o five_o year_n the_o say_a level_n be_v by_o a_o decree_n of_o sewer_n make_v at_o ely_n on_o the_o 25_o 1653._o of_o march_n anno_fw-la 1653._o adjudge_v to_o be_v full_o drayn_v whereupon_o the_o say_a earl_n and_o his_o participant_n have_v possession_n of_o those_o ninety_o five_o thousand_o acre_n award_v to_o they_o chap._n lv._o lindsey_n thereof_o level_v extend_v from_o bourne_n to_o lincoln_n of_o this_o though_o i_o may_v have_v not_o incongruous_o discourse_v under_o my_o title_n of_o kesteven_n and_o holland_n yet_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o part_n of_o the_o great_a level_n beforementioned_a however_o not_o so_o now_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o common_a reputation_n i_o have_v think_v it_o more_o proper_a to_o speak_v of_o it_o here_o the_o first_o etc._n general_a attempt_n towards_o the_o drayn_n of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o country_n whereof_o i_o have_v take_v notice_n be_v upon_o a_o complaint_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n at_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o sempringham_n in_o the_o 8_o year_n of_o the_o late_a queen_n elizabeth_n reign_n the_o earl_n of_o lincoln_n high_a admiral_n of_o england_n with_o several_a other_o person_n of_o quality_n be_v then_o commissioner_n whereupon_o a_o general_a tax_n be_v lay_v for_o repair_v and_o enlarge_n the_o drayn_n and_o sewer_n to_o carry_v off_o the_o water_n which_o then_o annoy_v these_o part_n but_o little_o be_v do_v to_o any_o purpose_n herein_o as_o it_o seem_v for_o it_o appear_v that_o at_o another_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o swinstede_n in_o the_o 17_o year_n of_o that_o queen_n reign_n the_o country_n complain_v that_o they_o be_v drown_v more_o than_o former_o so_o that_o the_o commissioner_n than_o decreee_v that_o those_o drayn_n which_o the_o duke_n of_o suffolk_n and_o other_o have_v ordain_v to_o be_v begin_v about_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o 8_o time_n as_o also_o some_o other_o shall_v forthwith_o be_v set_v upon_o and_o lay_v a_o tax_n according_o but_o no_o payment_n of_o that_o tax_n be_v make_v the_o work_n proceed_v not_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o far_a considerable_a attempt_n therein_o whereof_o i_o have_v hear_v till_o caroli_n the_o 5_o year_n of_o the_o late_a king_n charles_n of_o bless_a memory_n that_o sir_n anthony_n ireby_n knight_n sergeant_n calais_n and_o other_o commissioner_n find_v all_o former_a essay_n fruitless_a by_o reason_n that_o the_o inhabitant_n will_v never_o pay_v the_o tax_n and_o that_o the_o land_n be_v surround_v have_v no_o cattle_n upon_o they_o for_o distress_n and_o consider_v that_o the_o king_n as_o it_o be_v observable_a in_o all_o the_o statute_n of_o sewer_n be_v to_o give_v direction_n in_o work_n of_o this_o nature_n they_o do_v by_o their_o letter_n represent_v to_o his_o majesty_n the_o necessity_n of_o drayn_v these_o land_n and_o the_o commodity_n which_o may_v accrue_v thereby_o humble_o beseech_v he_o to_o recommend_v some_o person_n of_o honour_n to_o contract_v with_o they_o as_o undertaker_n for_o performance_n of_o that_o work_n the_o king_n therefore_o understand_v pettâ—-bag_n their_o design_n to_o be_v for_o the_o drayn_n of_o all_o the_o surround_v fen_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o the_o river_n of_o glen_n in_o this_o county_n of_o lincoln_n refer_v the_o view_n of_o those_o lie_v on_o both_o side_n the_o river_n of_o fosse_n and_o wythom_n from_o beyond_o the_o city_n of_o lincoln_n to_o kyme_v ea_z unto_o sir_n henry_n vane_n knight_n sir_n robert_n carr_n baronet_n and_o other_o who_o in_o order_n to_o that_o good_a work_n do_v in_o a_o session_n car._n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o sleford_n 26_o febr._n 8_o car._n where_o be_v also_o present_a and_o commissioner_n robert_n earl_n of_o lindsey_n theophilus_n earl_n of_o lincoln_n the_o lord_n willoughby_n sir_n henry_n fines_n and_o other_o lay_v a_o tax_n of_o xiij_o s._n iiij_o d._n the_o acre_n for_o the_o scour_n and_o cleanse_v of_o the_o say_a river_n and_o all_o goat_n and_o drayn_n etc._n etc._n within_o those_o precinct_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o all_o the_o landholders_n in_o the_o say_v low_a ground_n and_o to_o be_v pay_v before_o the_o ix_o of_o april_n than_o next_o follow_v and_o for_o the_o better_a further_a and_o complete_n thereof_o the_o say_a commissioner_n praedicto_fw-la meet_v again_o at_o boston_n upon_o the_o second_o of_o march_n than_o next_o ensue_v recite_v their_o decree_n so_o make_v at_o sleford_n do_v extend_v their_o say_a tax_n of_o xiijs_fw-la iiijd_n the_o acre_n to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o that_o level_n nevertheless_o little_o be_v do_v therein_o as_o it_o seem_v till_o about_o three_o year_n afterward_o but_o then_o the_o say_a king_n by_o his_o letter_n ibid._n patent_n bear_v date_n at_o westminster_n 2_o aprilis_n in_o the_o xi_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n direct_v unto_o george_n earl_n of_o rutland_n and_o other_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n for_o the_o say_a level_n recommend_v unto_o they_o robert_n earl_n of_o lindsey_n lord_n high_a chamberlain_n of_o england_n a_o person_n of_o very_a great_a honour_n to_o be_v the_o sole_a undertaker_n for_o the_o drayn_n of_o the_o whole_a whereupon_o the_o say_v commissioner_n at_o another_o session_n ibid._n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o sleford_n upon_o the_o second_o of_o june_n than_o next_o follow_v car._n proceed_v to_o a_o treaty_n with_o his_o lordship_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o agree_v with_o he_o to_o accept_v of_o twenty_o four_o thousand_o acre_n in_o recompense_n of_o his_o charge_n therein_o which_o be_v then_o according_o decree_v ibid._n the_o work_n be_v to_o be_v perfect_v within_o the_o space_n of_o six_o year_n next_o ensue_v the_o feast_n of_o st._n michael_n th'archangel_n then_o follow_v and_o after_o this_o viz._n in_o a_o session_n ibid._n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o boston_n the_o 29._o of_o march_n the_o next_o year_n ensue_v câ—r_n recital_n be_v make_v of_o that_o decree_n make_v at_o sleford_n whereby_o the_o say_a earl_n of_o lindsey_n for_o the_o consideration_n therein_o express_v be_v to_o have_v those_o twenty_o four_o thousand_o acre_n of_o land_n to_o be_v indifferent_o allot_v out_o of_o the_o several_a fen_n etc._n etc._n to_o enjoy_v to_o himself_o and_o his_o heir_n for_o ever_o viz._n as_o soon_o as_o ten_o thousand_o acre_n or_o more_o shall_v be_v drayn_v to_o have_v his_o portion_n thereof_o forthwith_o assign_v as_o also_o the_o like_a recital_n that_o upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o same_o decree_n and_o other_o former_a precede_a decree_n and_o ordinance_n make_v at_o a_o â—ession_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o
cloudy_a gross_a and_o full_a of_o rot_a harr_n the_o water_n putrid_a and_o muddy_a yea_o full_a of_o loathsome_a vermin_n the_o earth_n spongy_a and_o boggy_a and_o the_o fire_n noisome_a by_o the_o stink_n of_o smoky_a hassocks_n as_o for_o the_o decay_n of_o fish_n and_o fowl_n which_o have_v be_v no_o small_a objestion_n against_o this_o public_a work_n there_o be_v not_o much_o likelihood_n thereof_o for_o notwithstanding_o this_o general_a drayn_n there_o be_v so_o many_o great_a mere_a and_o lakes_n still_o continue_v which_o be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a harbour_n for_o they_o that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o want_n of_o either_o for_o in_o the_o vast_a spread_a water_n they_o seldom_o abide_v the_o river_n channel_n and_o mere_a be_v their_o principal_a receptacle_n which_o be_v now_o increase_v will_v rather_o augment_v than_o diminish_v their_o store_n and_o that_o both_o fish_n and_o fowl_n be_v with_o much_o more_o ease_v take_v by_o this_o restraint_n of_o the_o water_n within_o such_o bound_n we_o daily_o see_v forasmuch_o as_o all_o net_n for_o fish_v be_v better_o make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o river_n and_o meeres_n than_o when_o the_o water_n be_v out_o of_o those_o narrow_a limit_n and_o that_o decoy_n be_v now_o plant_v upon_o many_o drayned_a level_n whereby_o great_a number_n of_o fowl_n be_v catch_v than_o by_o any_o other_o engine_n former_o use_v which_o can_v not_o at_o all_o be_v make_v there_o do_v the_o water_n as_o former_o overspread_v the_o whole_a country_n the_o history_n of_o imbank_v and_o drayn_v cap_n i._n that_o work_v of_o drayn_v be_v most_o ancient_a and_o of_o divine_a institution_n we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n 1.9_o in_o the_o beginning_n god_n say_v let_v the_o water_n be_v gather_v together_o and_o let_v the_o dry_a land_n appear_v and_o it_o be_v so_o 12._o and_o the_o earth_n bring_v forth_o grass_n and_o herb_n yield_v seed_n &_o the_o fruit-tree_n yield_v fruit_n after_o his_o kind_n and_o god_n see_v that_o it_o be_v good_a again_o after_o the_o deluge_n it_o be_v through_o the_o divine_a goodness_n that_o 8.13_o the_o water_n be_v dry_v up_o from_o off_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o face_n of_o the_o ground_n be_v dry_a and_o that_o those_o nation_n which_o be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n and_o in_o chief_a renown_n for_o art_n and_o civility_n be_v also_o famous_a for_o their_o work_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o egyptians_n the_o babylonian_n the_o grecian_n the_o roman_n and_o several_a other_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v give_v instance_n egypt_n first_o therefore_o of_o egypt_n because_o 35._o that_o country_n be_v more_o marvelous_a than_o any_o other_o and_o that_o the_o work_v there_o be_v more_o remarkable_a than_o the_o country_n this_o lie_v in_o a_o great_a length_n from_o south_n to_o north_n between_o arabia_n and_o lybia_n and_o be_v water_v with_o the_o river_n nilus_n a_o stream_n that_o all_o the_o winter_n keep_v 19_o within_o his_o bank_n but_o at_o the_o summer_n solstice_n begin_v to_o exceed_v and_o swell_v a_o hundred_o day_n be_v almost_o as_o long_o a_o time_n in_o retreat_v which_o constant_a inundation_n be_v so_o commodious_a that_o those_o surround_v part_n as_o a_o eminent_a historian_n d._n testify_v be_v only_o habitable_a and_o that_o whatsoever_o place_n on_o either_o side_n the_o river_n rise_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o it_o can_v receive_v the_o flood_n remain_v desert_n and_o uninhabited_a through_o want_n of_o water_n we_o may_v therefore_o esteem_v the_o egyptians_n to_o have_v be_v the_o first_o master_n in_o this_o art_n of_o drayn_v who_o necessity_n and_o profit_n induce_v to_o employ_v their_o wit_n and_o labour_n to_o the_o improvement_n of_o their_o country_n and_o make_v the_o best_a advantage_n of_o that_o exorbitant_a river_n wherein_o they_o become_v most_o excellent_a their_o workmanship_n about_o the_o river_n nilus_n be_v such_o as_o the_o same_o learned_a author_n d._n manifest_v that_o industry_n surpass_v nature_n for_o egypt_n say_v he_o though_o natural_o fruitful_a be_v water_v be_v more_o fruitful_a and_o though_o according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n the_o great_a increase_n of_o the_o river_n water_v the_o most_o land_n yet_o through_o industry_n it_o be_v so_o bring_v to_o pass_v that_o oftentimes_o when_o nature_n be_v defective_a there_o be_v by_o the_o help_n of_o trench_n and_o bank_n as_o much_o ground_n water_v with_o the_o small_a flood_n as_o with_o the_o great_a d_o so_o that_o at_o high_a flood_n the_o country_n be_v all_o a_o sea_n except_o the_o city_n and_o village_n which_o be_v situate_a either_o on_o natural_a hill_n or_o artificial_a bank_n at_o distance_n seem_v to_o be_v island_n the_o 5.9_o just_a increase_n of_o this_o flow_a appear_v to_o be_v xuj_o cubit_n less_o water_v not_o all_o more_o be_v too_o slow_a in_o retreat_v too_o much_o water_n keep_v the_o ground_n wet_v too_o long_o lose_v the_o season_n of_o sow_v too_o little_a afford_v no_o season_n through_o drought_n the_o country_n reckon_v upon_o both_o at_o twelve_o cubit_n they_o foresee_v famine_n at_o xiii_o hunger_n fourteen_o bring_v mirth_n xv_o security_n xuj_o plenty_n the_o egyptian_a trench_n therefore_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o for_o avoidance_n of_o superfluous_a water_n or_o dispose_v of_o what_o may_v be_v useful_a there_o be_v notable_a example_n of_o both_o kind_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v those_o many_o outlet_n make_v by_o hand_n for_o the_o river_n more_o current_a passage_n into_o the_o midland_n sea_n the_o natural_a mouth_n of_o nile_n be_v insufficient_a for_o the_o septem_fw-la ostia_fw-la be_v not_o all_o natural_a nilus_n 17._o have_v run_v through_o egypt_n in_o one_o stream_n to_o the_o city_n cercasorus_fw-la thence_o divide_v itself_o into_o three_o channel_n one_o run_v eastward_o towards_o pelusium_n thâ—_n other_o westward_n towards_o canobus_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v denominate_v the_o three_o divide_v delta_n run_v straight_o forward_a to_o sebennitus_fw-la from_o whence_o it_o have_v its_o name_n and_o there_o be_v divide_v into_o two_o other_o stream_n the_o one_o pass_v by_o sais_n the_o other_o by_o mendes_n receive_v their_o name_n from_o those_o city_n but_o the_o bolbitique_a &_o bucolique_a channel_n be_v not_o natural_a but_o make_v by_o dig_v this_o island_n of_o egypt_n towards_o the_o sea_n between_o the_o pelusiaque_fw-la and_o canobique_n channel_n be_v c._n call_v delta_n from_o the_o form_n of_o the_o letter_n δ._n between_o these_o two_o mouth_n beside_o the_o five_o before_o name_v there_o be_v many_o small_a for_o from_o the_o former_a there_o be_v divers_a subdivision_n throughout_o the_o whole_a island_n which_o make_v sundry_a watercourse_n and_o island_n so_o as_o one_o channel_n be_v cut_v into_o another_o it_o be_v navigable_a every_o way_n the_o reason_n why_o these_o low_a part_n be_v cut_v and_o drayn_v in_o such_o extraordinary_a manner_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v beside_o the_o convenience_n of_o navigation_n for_o that_o they_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o silt_v whereof_o the_o egyptian_a priest_n have_v good_a experience_n for_o 13._o in_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n myris_n when_o the_o river_n rise_v not_o above_o eight_o cubit_n it_o water_v all_o egypt_n below_o memphis_n but_o now_o in_o herodotus_n his_o time_n unless_o it_o rise_v xuj_o or_o at_o least_o xv_o cubit_n it_o overflow_v not_o that_o part_n of_o the_o country_n flood_n nor_o be_v there_o nine_o hundred_o year_n pass_v from_o the_o death_n of_o king_n myris_n to_o the_o time_n that_o herodotus_n hear_v this_o from_o the_o priest_n among_o this_o sort_n of_o work_n against_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o river_n may_v be_v reckon_v the_o inbank_v 137._o of_o city_n which_o sesostris_n first_o perform_v but_o those_o work_n especial_o at_o bubastis_n be_v after_o heighten_v by_o sabacon_n the_o aethiopian_a who_o employ_v therein_o all_o person_n condemn_v to_o death_n the_o other_o kind_n of_o trench_n extend_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o inundation_n beyond_o nature_n be_v more_o commendable_a have_v less_o of_o necessity_n but_o more_o for_o imitation_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v make_v by_o king_n maeris_n into_o a_o lake_n on_o the_o lybian_a side_n which_o bear_v his_o name_n which_o lake_n say_v herodotus_n 149._o be_v three_o thousand_o &_o six_o hundred_o furlong_n in_o compass_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o egypt_n along_o the_o sea_n coast_n and_o lie_v in_o length_n north_n and_o south_n the_o great_a depth_n be_v â—ifty_a pace_n almost_o in_o the_o middle_n thereof_o stand_v two_o pyramid_n each_o fifty_o pace_n above_o water_n and_o as_o much_o below_o in_o all_o a_o hundred_o pace_n there_o be_v upon_o each_o a_o colossus_n sit_v in_o a_o chair_n the_o water_n of_o this_o lake_n be_v not_o esteem_v to_o spring_v
nor_o the_o persian_n make_v use_v but_o hold_v a_o guard_n there_o to_o keep_v off_o stranger_n howbeit_o alexander_n the_o great_a see_v the_o opportunity_n of_o place_n cause_v a_o city_n to_o be_v build_v there_o which_o bear_v his_o name_n the_o foundation_n whereof_o be_v lay_v with_o brann_n instead_o of_o chalk_n which_o be_v take_v for_o a_o good_a omen_n which_o city_n be_v seat_v as_o it_o be_v between_o two_o sea_n have_v on_o the_o south_n the_o lake_n mareia_n or_o mareotis_n but_o it_o have_v be_v a_o intolerable_a inconvenience_n to_o have_v dwell_v in_o a_o dry_a country_n so_o far_o from_o the_o river_n nilus_n have_v not_o that_o discommodity_n be_v avoid_v by_o mean_n of_o artificial_a river_n therefore_o that_o navigable_a channel_n be_v make_v from_o canopus_n which_o become_v 8â—0_n famous_a for_o the_o practice_n of_o luxury_n another_o navigable_a river_n be_v also_o a._n make_v from_o the_o haven_n on_o the_o midland_n sea_n to_o the_o say_a lake_n mareotis_n this_o a._n lake_n be_v fill_v from_o the_o river_n nile_n by_o many_o trench_n as_o well_o from_o above_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o lake_n meris_fw-la whereof_o i_o have_v speak_v as_o on_o the_o side_n of_o it_o by_o trench_n cut_v immediate_o from_o the_o nile_n and_o have_v eight_o island_n in_o it_o contain_v c._n above_o a_o 150_o furlong_n in_o breadth_n and_o near_o 300_o in_o length_n be_v well_o inhabit_v round_o about_o and_o afford_v good_a corn._n by_o which_o water-passage_n a._n much_o more_o commodity_n be_v bring_v to_o alexandria_n than_o by_o sea_n so_o as_o the_o haven_n on_o the_o lake_n side_n be_v rich_a than_o that_o on_o the_o sea_n and_o more_o good_n carry_v from_o alexandria_n to_o italy_n than_o from_o italy_n thither_o as_o plain_o appear_v by_o the_o vessel_n more_o or_o less_o fraught_v which_o pass_v to_o and_o again_o from_o thence_o and_o from_o puteoli_n beside_o the_o wealth_n that_o be_v bring_v in_o at_o both_o havens_n from_o the_o lake_n and_o sea_n the_o goodness_n of_o the_o air_n be_v not_o unworthy_a to_o be_v remember_v it_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o water_n on_o both_o side_n of_o the_o city_n and_o the_o seasonable_a rise_n of_o the_o river_n nilus_n for_o whereas_o other_o town_n situate_v by_o lake_n have_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o summer_n a_o gross_a and_o stifle_a air_n forasmuch_o as_o their_o bank_n be_v leave_v muddy_a slimy_a exhalation_n be_v draw_v up_o by_o the_o sun_n which_o make_v the_o air_n unwholesome_a and_o occasion_n sickness_n here_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o summer_n the_o nile_n be_v full_a fill_v the_o lake_n leave_v no_o part_n muddy_a to_o exhale_v any_o malignant_a vapour_n at_o which_o time_n the_o etesian_a wind_n blow_v also_o from_o the_o north_n sea_n so_o as_o the_o alexandrian_n pass_v the_o summer_n pleasant_o and_o that_o the_o improvement_n make_v in_o egypt_n by_o the_o drain_v and_o new_a river_n after_o the_o build_n of_o alexandria_n be_v very_o large_a appear_v by_o these_o follow_a instance_n in_o several_a age_n in_o b._n the_o sacred_a commentary_n of_o the_o ancient_a priest_n there_o be_v number_v in_o egypt_n city_n and_o town_n of_o note_n eighteen_o thousand_o under_o amasis_n the_o last_o king_n before_o the_o persian_a conquest_n there_o be_v 177._o twenty_o thousand_o town_n in_o egypt_n inhabit_v and_o under_o ptolemy_n the_o first_o above_o thirty_o thousand_o the_o print_a copy_n of_o diodorus_n have_v only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o that_o read_v be_v faulty_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o precede_a number_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o theocritus_n who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o seven_o pleyade_n in_o the_o court_n of_o philadelphus_n the_o second_o ptolemy_n in_o who_o territory_n there_o 82._o be_v thirty_o three_o thousand_o three_o hundred_o thirty_o nine_o the_o improvement_n seem_v then_o to_o be_v more_o complete_a howbeit_o in_o tract_n of_o time_n through_o great_a neglect_n these_o trench_n and_o drayn_n by_o which_o the_o overflow_a of_o the_o nile_n so_o much_o enrich_v this_o country_n be_v fill_v 18._o with_o mud_n but_o augustus_n caesar_n have_v reduce_v egypt_n into_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o province_n to_o the_o roman_a empire_n cause_v they_o to_o be_v scour_v 18._o by_o his_o soldier_n which_o noble_a work_n do_v so_o much_o restore_v it_o to_o the_o fertility_n it_o former_o have_v and_o consequent_o increase_v the_o populousnesse_n thereof_o that_o the_o number_n of_o person_n there_o inhabit_v over_o and_o beside_o the_o alexandrian_n be_v short_o after_o find_v to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o seven_o million_o and_o five_o hundred_o thousand_o as_o the_o tribute_n 16._o money_n pay_v by_o every_o head_n do_v manifest_a and_o thus_o much_o for_o egypt_n cap._n ii_o babylon_n i_o be_o now_o come_v to_o that_o sometime_o famous_a city_n of_o babylon_n situate_v in_o a_o low_a and_o flat_a country_n of_o which_o sir_n walter_n raleigh_n give_v a_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v so_o little_o write_v of_o belus_n who_o succeed_v nimrod_n the_o first_o assyrian_a monarch_n say_v 4._o that_o it_o be_v think_v he_o spend_v much_o of_o his_o time_n in_o disburthen_v the_o low_a land_n of_o babylon_n and_o dry_v and_o make_v firm_a ground_n of_o all_o those_o great_a fen_n and_o overflow_v marsh_n which_o adjoin_v to_o it_o how_o the_o part_n hereabout_o come_v thus_o to_o be_v surround_v let_v we_o hear_v what_o pliny_n say_v which_o be_v thus_o in_o effect_n the_o river_n 26._o euphrates_n be_v cut_v into_o two_o part_n stretch_v its_o left_a arm_n into_o mesopotamia_n by_o seleucia_n the_o principal_a city_n in_o syria_n and_o so_o into_o tigris_n and_o it_o be_v right_a arm_n to_o babylon_n the_o chief_a city_n of_o chaldea_n whence_o pass_v through_o the_o midst_n thereof_o it_o run_v into_o the_o fen_n it_o be_v report_v 26._o that_o this_o division_n of_o that_o river_n be_v make_v by_o gobaris_n the_o perfect_a lest_o otherwise_o by_o its_o violent_a course_n it_o may_v have_v infest_a the_o city_n of_o babylon_n but_o by_o the_o assyrian_n it_o be_v call_v ibid._n naarmalcha_n which_o signify_v the_o kingly_a river_n that_o the_o inundation_n from_o this_o river_n be_v occasion_v upon_o the_o same_o reason_n as_o those_o of_o nilus_n before_o speak_v of_o we_o have_v not_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o before_o specify_v 26._o author_n but_o of_o strabo_n who_o word_n 740._o be_v these_o exundat_fw-la enim_fw-la euphrates_n aestate_fw-la sub_fw-la ver_fw-la incipiens_fw-la etc._n etc._n euphrates_n overflow_v in_o summer_n begin_v at_o the_o spring_n time_n when_o the_o snow_n in_o armenia_n melt_v so_o that_o the_o field_n must_v needs_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o waterâ—_n unless_o that_o the_o flood_n be_v divert_v by_o trench_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o they_o restrain_v the_o river_n nilus_n in_o egypt_n hereupon_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o channel_n be_v dig_v etc._n etc._n that_o the_o bank_n and_o drain_v make_v by_o belus_n do_v not_o full_o accomplish_v that_o work_n of_o drayn_v above_o mention_v or_o in_o case_n it_o do_v that_o after-age_n through_o discontinuance_n of_o their_o repair_n be_v little_o the_o better_a for_o they_o appear_v by_o the_o relation_n of_o herodotus_n 76._o who_o speak_v of_o those_o two_o famous_a queen_n of_o babylon_n viz._n semiramis_n and_o nitocris_n say_v of_o semiramis_n who_o reign_v five_o age_n before_o the_o other_o haec_fw-la per_fw-la planitiem_fw-la aggeres_fw-la extruxit_fw-la spectando_fw-la dignos_fw-la quum_fw-la antehac_fw-la flumen_fw-la eam_fw-la restagnare_fw-la solitum_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la she_o raise_v bank_n throughout_o the_o whole_a level_n worthy_a of_o observation_n whereas_o before_o she_o do_v so_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v drown_v by_o the_o river_n and_o of_o nitocris_n that_o iâ—id_n be_v more_o active_a &_o diligent_a than_o her_o predecessor_n ante_fw-la omne_fw-la fluvium_fw-la euphratim_fw-la &c_n &c_n in_o the_o first_o place_n she_o divert_v the_o stream_n of_o euphrates_n into_o crooked_a channel_n which_o before_o run_v in_o a_o straight_a course_n through_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o city_n level_v the_o ditch_n above_o so_o that_o it_o may_v thrice_o flow_v into_o arderica_fw-la a_o certain_a village_n of_o assyria_n and_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v convey_v by_o the_o sea_n towards_o babylon_n through_o the_o river_n euphrates_n shall_v thrice_o land_v at_o this_o village_n for_o three_o day_n together_o this_o she_o thus_o accomplish_v and_o likewise_o upon_o the_o verge_n of_o the_o say_a river_n on_o each_o side_n she_o raise_v bank_n for_o bigness_n and_o height_n wonderful_a to_o behold_v moreover_o far_o above_o the_o city_n and_o at_o some_o distance_n from_o the_o river_n she_o dig_v a_o channel_n for_o the_o fen_n as_o deep_a as_o the_o water_n which_o be_v in_o breadth_n every_o way_n near_o three_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o furlong_n and_o the_o
earth_n dig_v out_o of_o it_o she_o bring_v to_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o riverâ—_n the_o brim_n whereof_o she_o strengthen_v with_o stone_n in_o such_o place_n where_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n do_v oppress_v they_o these_o two_o work_n viz._n the_o turn_n of_o the_o river_n into_o that_o wind_a posture_n and_o the_o make_v that_o drayn_n she_o do_v first_o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o say_a river_n by_o the_o many_o bend_n thereof_o may_v glide_v more_o gentle_o next_o that_o the_o passage_n of_o ship_n towards_o babylon_n may_v be_v crooked_a and_o last_o that_o by_o those_o navigation_n the_o long_a turn_n of_o the_o channel_n may_v be_v sustain_v cap._n ii_o greece_n greece_n i_o next_o come_v to_o those_o work_n of_o this_o kind_n as_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o grecian_n whereof_o i_o shall_v give_v instance_n in_o thessaly_n and_o acarnania_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v say_v 423._o to_o have_v be_v ancient_o a_o lake_n be_v on_o every_o side_n enclose_v with_o mountain_n for_o on_o the_o east_n it_o have_v the_o hill_n peleon_n and_o ossa_n mutual_o join_v at_o their_o descent_n to_o the_o north_n olympus_n to_o the_o west_n pindus_n and_o to_o the_o south_n othris_n the_o valley_n betwixt_o these_o hill_n be_v thessaly_n among_o other_o river_n that_o flow_v into_o it_o these_o five_o be_v the_o chief_a peneus_n apidanus_n onochonus_n enipeus_n and_o pamisus_n which_o run_v from_o the_o hill_n encompass_v this_o country_n meet_v in_o the_o plain_a and_o become_v one_o stream_n which_o at_o one_o passage_n and_o that_o but_o narrow_a issue_v into_o the_o sea_n from_o the_o confluence_n of_o these_o water_n peneus_n continue_v the_o name_n it_o be_v report_v ibid._n that_o in_o old_a time_n when_o as_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o outlet_a these_o river_n and_o the_o lake_n bebeis_n beside_o be_v not_o call_v as_o at_o present_a although_o they_o do_v run_v no_o less_o than_o now_o but_o run_v make_v all_o thessaly_n a_o sea_n the_o thessalian_n themselves_o say_v that_o neptune_n make_v that_o passage_n by_o which_o peneus_n flow_v into_o the_o sea_n for_o the_o greek_n ascribe_v all_o beneficial_a invention_n to_o their_o god_n and_o herodotus_n take_v it_o to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o earthquake_n but_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o very_a remarkable_a work_n of_o drayn_v and_o that_o it_o be_v now_o a_o place_n of_o extraordinary_a pleasantness_n i_o shall_v refer_v my_o reader_n to_o the_o map_n of_o tempe_n in_o ortelius_n his_o parergon_n of_o acarnania_n this_o be_v observable_a 2.10_o that_o where_o achelous_n a_o river_n of_o that_o country_n run_v into_o the_o sea_n it_o have_v already_o make_v continent_n one_o half_a of_o the_o island_n call_v echinades_n and_o that_o the_o fable_n go_v that_o 458._o hercules_n here_o encounter_v with_o achelous_n who_o be_v say_v to_o have_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o bull_n because_o of_o the_o roar_a noise_n of_o the_o river_n break_v off_o one_o of_o his_o horn_n and_o give_v it_o to_o oeneus_n in_o pledge_n of_o his_o marriage_n with_o deianeira_n his_o daughter_n they_o which_o collect_v truth_n out_o of_o fable_n say_v that_o hercules_n who_o be_v general_o beneficial_a for_o oeneus_n his_o father_n in_o law_n be_v sake_n restrain_v the_o exorbitant_a overflowing_n of_o this_o river_n with_o bank_n and_o trench_n and_o drayn_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o adjacent_a country_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o cornucopia_n which_o the_o poet_n make_v to_o be_v the_o emblem_n of_o plenty_n cap._n v._o of_o the_o roman_n that_o the_o roman_a work_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v not_o a_o few_o and_o those_o very_a eminent_a i_o shall_v next_o make_v manifest_a by_o their_o drain_v in_o the_o pompeian_a marsh_n the_o fossa_n mariana_n the_o improvement_n about_o placentia_n and_o gallia_n cisalpina_n the_o restraint_n of_o the_o river_n tiber_n in_o its_o overflowing_n and_o the_o exsiccation_n of_o the_o great_a fucine_n lake_n in_o italy_n sect._n 1_o the_o pompein_a marsh_n in_o the_o year_n 593_o when_o l._n anicius_n gallus_n &_o m._n cornelius_n cethegus_n be_v consul_n the_o senate_n 43.915.922_o be_v in_o counsel_n concern_v the_o province_n because_o there_o seem_v not_o sufficient_a use_n against_o the_o enemy_n for_o the_o ordinary_a force_n of_o both_o the_o consul_n which_o be_v 4_o legion_n beside_o the_o auxiliary_n &_o socii_fw-la there_o be_v a_o motion_n make_v concern_v the_o improvement_n of_o a_o great_a level_n of_o waste_a land_n lie_v under_o water_n about_o xl_o mile_n from_o rome_n in_o latium_n which_o business_n be_v entertain_v with_o great_a approbation_n for_o cuâ—ne_n like_a as_o it_o be_v esteem_v a_o most_o high_a commondation_n for_o a_o private_a man_n to_o be_v call_v a_o good_a husbandman_n by_o the_o consul_n so_o do_v the_o senate_n now_o think_v that_o they_o shall_v deserve_v the_o praise_n of_o good_a husband_n for_o the_o commonwealth_n if_o in_o this_o opportunity_n of_o leisure_n they_o can_v gain_v such_o a_o quantity_n of_o rich_a land_n to_o italy_n which_o be_v the_o great_a part_n mountainous_a and_o barren_a neither_o be_v this_o employment_n think_v too_o mean_a for_o the_o legion_n though_o consist_v of_o free_a man_n for_o the_o roman_a and_o italian_a infantry_n as_o well_o accustom_v to_o the_o spade_n and_o basket_n as_o to_o the_o sword_n and_o buckler_n use_v to_o be_v their_o own_o pioner_n in_o their_o daily_a intrenchment_n neither_o work_v they_o for_o their_o own_o safety_n only_o in_o time_n of_o danger_n but_o for_o the_o common_a good_a also_o in_o time_n of_o security_n the_o 39_o consul_n ao._n 566._o have_v herein_o give_v a_o precedent_n who_o lest_o their_o soldier_n shall_v be_v idle_a employ_v they_o in_o make_v of_o highway_n hereupon_o it_o be_v decree_v that_o one_o consul_n shall_v attend_v the_o enemy_n in_o gallia_n and_o the_o other_o undertake_v the_o drayn_n of_o the_o pompeine_a marsh_n all_o 5._o the_o country_n which_o lie_v eastward_o of_o rome_n between_o the_o river_n tiber_n and_o campania_n be_v now_o unite_a under_o the_o name_n of_o latium_n and_o in_o it_o that_o place_n which_o lie_v towards_o the_o sea_n beneath_o the_o row_n of_o hill_n which_o reach_v from_o belitre_n to_o terracina_n be_v the_o large_a it_o be_v denominate_v from_o suessa_n pometia_n ancient_o a_o rich_a city_n and_o metropolitan_a of_o the_o volsi_fw-la but_o now_o scarce_o extant_a the_o maritime_a part_n of_o this_o vale_n for_o a_o great_a extent_n be_v drown_v not_o so_o much_o through_o any_o inundation_n of_o the_o sea_n who_o tide_n be_v here_o but_o small_a as_o by_o reason_n the_o water_n of_o amasenus_n and_o ufens_n the_o big_a river_n have_v not_o their_o passage_n sufficientt_o open_a into_o the_o sea_n diffuse_v themselves_o over_o those_o spacious_a low_a ground_n up_o towards_o sulmo_n &_o setia_n this_o tract_n be_v therefore_o call_v the_o pomentin_n or_o pomptin_a fen_n have_v be_v in_o such_o manner_n surround_v beyond_o all_o memory_n for_o homer_n 158._o describe_v the_o arrival_n of_o ulysses_n at_o the_o circean_a promontory_n call_v it_o a_o island_n in_o regard_n of_o these_o water_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o sea_n on_o the_o other_o the_o which_o island_n say_v theophrastus_n 9_o have_v about_o ten_o mile_n of_o circuit_n but_o in_o his_o time_n he_o write_v 3.5_o about_o twenty_o year_n after_o appius_n have_v be_v censor_n the_o river_n by_o cast_v up_o earth_n have_v join_v it_o to_o the_o continent_n so_o as_o i_o do_v not_o perceive_v that_o hitherto_o either_o before_o the_o roman_n be_v lord_n of_o the_o soil_n or_o since_o there_o have_v be_v any_o order_n take_v for_o the_o win_n of_o this_o ground_n from_o the_o water_n but_o now_o by_o order_n of_o the_o senate_n the_o pomptin_a fen_n be_v lay_v dry_a 46._o by_o cornelius_n cethegus_n the_o consul_n to_o who_o that_o province_n fall_v and_o they_o be_v make_v good_a ground_n the_o country_n people_n allure_v therefore_o with_o the_o richness_n of_o the_o soil_n settle_v themselves_o here_o in_o such_o abundance_n that_o there_o be_v say_v aevi_fw-la to_o be_v not_o long_o after_o this_o time_n for_o i_o can_v understand_v it_o of_o any_o former_a three_o and_o twenty_o town_n in_o this_o place_n it_o be_v a_o land_n capable_a of_o many_o thousand_o husbandman_n but_o c._n in_o after_o time_n whilst_o the_o state_n distract_v with_o civil_a faction_n neglect_v the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o work_n the_o water_n again_o by_o degree_n gain_v upon_o the_o land_n so_o d._n as_o julius_n caesar_n have_v a_o intention_n not_o only_o to_o have_v drayn_v the_o fen_n anew_o but_o to_o have_v bring_v the_o appian_n way_n through_o they_o whether_o augusâ—us_n do_v any_o thing_n to_o they_o may_v be_v doubt_v for_o 26.4_o in_o vespasian_n time_n they_o
where_o and_o by_o what_o place_n and_o how_o much_o each_o man_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o maintain_v and_o that_o when_o necessity_n shall_v happen_v by_o occasion_n whereof_o it_o may_v be_v requisite_a to_o withstand_v or_o resist_v the_o danger_n and_o violence_n of_o the_o sea_n in_o repair_v of_o the_o before_o specify_v bank_n that_o the_o say_v xxiiii_o jurat_n shall_v meet_v together_o and_o view_v the_o place_n of_o danger_n and_o consider_v to_o who_o the_o deâ—ence_n of_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v assign_v and_o within_o what_o time_n to_o be_v repair_v and_o that_o the_o common_a bailiff_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n shall_v give_v notice_n to_o those_o unto_o who_o defence_n the_o say_a place_n shall_v be_v assign_v that_o they_o shall_v defend_v and_o repair_v they_o within_o the_o time_n assign_v by_o the_o say_v xxiiii_o jurat_n and_o if_o they_o neglect_v so_o to_o do_v that_o then_o the_o say_v common_a bailiff_n shall_v at_o his_o own_o charge_n make_v good_a the_o say_a repair_n by_o the_o oversight_n of_o the_o xxiiii_o jurat_n and_o that_o afterward_o the_o party_n so_o neglect_v shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o render_v to_o the_o say_a bailiff_n double_v the_o charge_n so_o lay_v out_o by_o he_o about_o those_o repair_n which_o double_a to_o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n and_o the_o repair_n of_o they_o and_o that_o the_o party_n so_o neglect_v shall_v be_v distrain_v for_o the_o same_o by_o his_o land_n situate_v within_o the_o say_v marsh._n moreover_o in_o case_n any_o parcel_n of_o land_n shall_v be_v hold_v in_o common_a by_o partner_n so_o that_o a_o certain_a place_n can_v not_o be_v assign_v to_o each_o partner_n for_o his_o own_o proportion_n viz._n a_o whole_a or_o half_a perch_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o small_a quantity_n of_o the_o land_n that_o then_o it_o shall_v be_v ordain_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o xxiiii_o jurat_n and_o view_v what_o proportion_n of_o the_o say_a land_n so_o hold_v in_o common_a he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o defend_v and_o thereupon_o a_o certain_a portion_n so_o to_o be_v defend_v by_o the_o say_a partner_n in_o common_a to_o be_v assign_v to_o they_o and_o if_o any_o of_o the_o say_a partner_n shall_v neglect_v to_o defend_v his_o portion_n after_o admonition_n give_v to_o they_o by_o the_o bailiff_n the_o say_a portion_n of_o the_o party_n so_o neglect_v to_o be_v assign_v to_o the_o other_o partner_n who_o ought_v to_o make_v the_o like_a defence_n which_o partner_n to_o hold_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o party_n so_o neglect_v in_o their_o hand_n until_o he_o shall_v pay_v his_o proportion_n of_o the_o cost_v lay_v out_o about_o the_o same_o defence_n by_o the_o oversight_n of_o the_o xxiiii_o jurat_n and_o also_o double_a towards_o the_o commodity_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n and_o the_o repair_n of_o they_o as_o aforesaid_a and_o that_o if_o all_o the_o partner_n shall_v happen_v to_o be_v negligent_a in_o the_o premise_n then_o that_o the_o common_a bailiff_n before_o mention_v shall_v make_v good_a the_o whole_a defence_n at_o his_o own_o proper_a cost_n and_o afterward_o distrain_v all_o those_o partner_n in_o double_a the_o charge_n so_o by_o he_o expend_v in_o the_o say_a defence_n by_o view_n of_o the_o xxiiii_o jurat_n as_o aforesaid_a save_v to_o the_o chief_a lord_n in_o the_o say_a marsh_n the_o right_n which_o they_o have_v against_o their_o tenant_n touch_v this_o defence_n according_a to_o their_o feoffment_n and_o last_o that_o all_o the_o land_n in_o the_o say_a marsh_n be_v keep_v and_o maintain_v against_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o flood_n of_o the_o fresh_a water_n with_o bank_n and_o sewer_n by_o the_o oath_n and_o consideration_n of_o xxiiii_o jurat_n at_o the_o least_o for_o their_o preservation_n as_o ancient_o have_v be_v accustom_v about_o this_o time_n i_o find_v 7._o that_o the_o k._n have_v advertisement_n that_o his_o haven_n of_o rumenale_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o destruction_n to_o the_o no_o little_a damage_n of_o the_o public_a and_o excessive_a annoyance_n of_o the_o town_n of_o rumenale_n unless_o the_o course_n of_o the_o river_n of_o newendene_n whereupon_o the_o say_a haven_n be_v found_v be_v then_o divert_v by_o the_o overflowing_n of_o the_o sea_n be_v reduce_v to_o the_o say_a port_n and_o that_o he_o be_v inform_v by_o a_o inquisition_n make_v by_o nicholas_n de_fw-fr handlon_n who_o he_o have_v send_v into_o those_o part_n to_o provide_v and_o ordain_v in_o what_o sort_n the_o say_a stream_n may_v be_v again_o bring_v to_o the_o same_o haven_n by_o its_o ancient_a channel_n or_o a_o new_a one_o to_o be_v make_v that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v so_o reduce_v nor_o the_o say_a haven_n preserve_v for_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o the_o say_a port_n and_o town_n except_o certain_a obstruction_n which_o be_v in_o the_o old_a course_n of_o that_o river_n be_v remove_v and_o that_o a_o new_a channel_n be_v make_v near_o to_o the_o same_o old_a course_n viz._n from_o a_o certain_a cross_n belong_v to_o the_o hospital_n of_o infirm_a people_n at_o rumenale_n stand_v by_o aghenepend_v unto_o effetone_n and_o from_o effetone_n to_o the_o house_n of_o william_n le_fw-fr bill_n and_o so_o to_o melepend_v and_o thence_o descend_v unto_o the_o say_a port_n so_o that_o a_o sluse_n be_v make_v under_o the_o town_n of_o apeltre_n for_o reception_n of_o the_o salt-water_n enter_v into_o the_o say_a river_n by_o the_o inundation_n of_o the_o sea_n from_o the_o part_n of_o winchelsea_n and_o for_o retain_v thereof_o in_o its_o passage_n and_o recourse_n to_o the_o sea_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o the_o same_o water_n may_v come_v together_o with_o the_o fresh_a water_n of_o that_o river_n by_o the_o ancient_a course_n into_o the_o before_o specify_v new_a course_n and_o so_o by_o that_o passage_n direct_o to_o descend_v and_o fall_v into_o the_o say_a haven_n and_o that_o another_o sluse_n shall_v be_v make_v at_o sneregaâ—e_n and_o a_o three_o near_o to_o the_o say_a port_n where_o that_o water_n may_v descend_v into_o the_o sea_n for_o restraint_n only_o of_o the_o sea-tide_n on_o that_o part_n that_o it_o enter_v not_o into_o the_o say_a course_n but_o reserve_v the_o ancient_a and_o oblique_a course_n from_o the_o say_a cross_n to_o the_o before_o specify_v haven_n the_o king_n therefore_o provident_o desire_v the_o common_a profit_n and_o safeguard_n of_o the_o say_a port_n by_o his_o precept_n ibid._n date_v at_o oxford_n the_o xxith_o of_o june_n command_v the_o say_a nicholas_n that_o he_o shall_v repair_v in_o his_o proper_a person_n upon_o a_o certain_a day_n assign_v unto_o those_o part_n together_o with_o the_o shireeve_n of_o kent_n unto_o who_o the_o say_a king_n have_v thereupon_o send_v his_o writ_n and_o by_o the_o oath_n of_o xxiiii_o aswell_o knight_n as_o other_o free_a and_o lawful_a man_n of_o the_o neighbourhood_n by_o who_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v the_o better_o know_v to_o make_v estimation_n how_o much_o of_o other_o man_n land_n will_v be_v necessary_a to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o make_n of_o the_o say_v new_a channel_n and_o sluice_n and_o what_o those_o land_n be_v worth_a by_o the_o year_n and_o to_o make_v speedy_a assignation_n to_o the_o tenant_n of_o those_o land_n to_o the_o value_n of_o the_o same_o land_n or_o more_o out_o of_o the_o land_n or_o money_n of_o the_o baron_n and_o honest_a man_n of_o the_o say_a port_n as_o also_o to_o remove_v the_o say_a obstruction_n in_o the_o old_a channel_n and_o to_o make_v the_o say_v new_a channel_n and_o sluice_n in_o the_o land_n of_o whosoever_o it_o shall_v be_v requisite_a for_o the_o common_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o say_a port_n and_o town_n of_o rumenale_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o the_o say_a shireeve_n of_o kent_n be_v likewise_o command_v that_o he_o shall_v diligent_o assist_v and_o attend_v the_o before_o specify_v nicholas_n in_o this_o business_n and_o to_o cause_v the_o say_v xxiiii_o knight_n and_o other_o of_o the_o neighbourhood_n as_o aforesaid_a to_o be_v before_o the_o say_v nicholas_n at_o the_o same_o day_n and_o place_n but_o notwithstanding_o those_o ordinance_n so_o make_v by_o the_o say_v henry_n de_fw-fr bath_n for_o the_o defence_n and_o preservation_n of_o this_o marsh_n and_o take_v distress_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o also_o notwithstanding_o the_o former_a precept_n from_o the_o king_n to_o the_o shireeve_n of_o kent_n forbid_v he_o to_o intermeddle_v at_o all_o with_o any_o more_o distress_n so_o take_v as_o i_o have_v at_o large_a already_o show_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o shireeve_n do_v again_o make_v replevin_n of_o some_o distress_n take_v by_o virtue_n of_o those_o ordinance_n for_o in_o 43_o h._n 3._o i_o find_v a._n that_o the_o king_n issue_v out_o another_o writ_n
to_o the_o say_a shireeve_n bear_v date_n the_o xxth_o of_o april_n requite_v he_o to_o return_v back_o those_o distress_n to_o the_o end_n that_o no_o more_o complaint_n may_v be_v make_v against_o he_o upon_o that_o occasion_n for_o which_o he_o may_v far_o incur_v the_o say_a king_n displeasure_n b._n to_o give_v instance_n of_o all_o the_o particular_a person_n who_o oppose_v these_o ordinance_n it_o will_v be_v too_o tedious_a can_v i_o exact_o do_v it_o i_o shall_v therefore_o here_o take_v notice_n of_o one_o only_a suit_n in_o this_o case_n which_o be_v commence_v by_o one_o godfrey_n le_fw-fr fauâ—oner_n against_o hamon_n pit_n john_n cobbe_n and_o other_o for_o take_v ten_o cow_n by_o way_n of_o distress_n upon_o his_o the_o say_a godfrey_n manor_n of_o hurst_n for_o his_o disobedience_n to_o the_o say_a ordinance_n to_o which_o action_n the_o say_a hamon_n and_o his_o fellow-defendant_n plead_v that_o the_o say_v godfrey_n enjoy_v certain_a possession_n lie_v in_o romney_n marsh_n in_o which_o marsh_n all_o that_o hold_v any_o land_n aught_o according_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o their_o tenement_n to_o make_v the_o bank_n and_o watercourse_n against_o the_o sea_n and_o other_o inundation_n of_o water_n and_o that_o the_o xxiiii_o man_n oâ—_n that_o marsh_n choose_v and_o swear_v by_o the_o commonality_n thereof_o aught_o to_o make_v distress_n in_o the_o same_o upon_o all_o the_o landholders_n according_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o their_o tenement_n whensoever_o the_o bank_n and_o watercourse_n thereof_o shall_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o repair_n which_o say_v jurat_n as_o the_o custom_n be_v because_o they_o can_v not_o attend_v it_o themselves_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o say_v hamon_n to_o take_v those_o distress_n and_o constitute_v he_o their_o bailiff_n so_o to_o do_v ☞_o and_o that_o they_o have_v this_o liberty_n by_o the_o ancient_a custom_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n and_o by_o the_o king_n charter_n which_o they_o then_o produce_v whereupon_o they_o say_v that_o by_o teason_n of_o the_o say_v godfrey_n default_n that_o distress_n take_v for_o repair_v of_o those_o bank_n and_o watergang_n be_v just_o make_v of_o which_o there_o be_v assign_v by_o the_o say_a jurat_n three_o perch_n and_o a_o half_a at_o the_o least_o for_o his_o proportion_n in_o the_o bank_n of_o apuldre_n to_o be_v repair_v at_o his_o cost_n and_o according_a to_o the_o overflow_a of_o the_o water_n more_o if_o need_n shall_v be_v in_o divers_a place_n and_o whether_o they_o may_v not_o have_v take_v a_o great_a distress_n upon_o he_o they_o appeal_v to_o the_o country_n they_o say_v nevertheless_o also_o that_o they_o take_v upon_o one_o a._n b._n a_o fermour_n to_o the_o say_v godfrey_n ten_o steer_n and_o ten_o lamb_n belong_v to_o i._o n._n tenant_n also_o to_o the_o say_v godfrey_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o default_n in_o repair_v the_o say_a bank_n and_o watergangs_a for_o which_o they_o afterward_o make_v satisfaction_n and_o have_v their_o cattle_n again_o and_o be_v question_v for_o how_o much_o he_o take_v the_o first_o distress_n and_o for_o how_o much_o the_o second_o he_o say_v that_o the_o first_o default_n of_o the_o say_v godfrey_n be_v estimate_v at_o four_o mark_n and_o the_o second_o at_o xlviiis._o and_o the_o say_v godfrey_n allege_v that_o he_o hold_v those_o tenement_n in_o the_o marsh_n aforesaid_a by_o the_o grant_n of_o henry_n sometime_o king_n of_o england_n grandfather_n to_o king_n henry_n then_o be_v and_o that_o the_o same_o king_n henry_n give_v they_o to_o william_n the_o son_n of_o balderic_n ancestor_n of_o the_o say_v godfrey_n who_o heir_n he_o be_v and_o that_o by_o this_o grant_n both_o his_o ancestor_n and_o himself_o after_o they_o always_o hold_v their_o tenement_n in_o the_o say_a marsh_n as_o free_o and_o quiet_o as_o the_o say_a baldric_n first_o hold_v they_o and_o he_o far_o say_v that_o this_o custom_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o those_o bank_n and_o watergang_n be_v never_o require_v neither_o of_o his_o say_a ancestor_n nor_o himself_o till_o about_o five_o year_n then_o last_v pass_v that_o the_o say_v hamon_n be_v make_v bailiff_n for_o the_o custody_n of_o the_o same_o bank_n and_o watergang_n nor_o that_o they_o ever_o make_v they_o at_o any_o time_n and_o produce_v the_o charter_n of_o the_o say_a king_n henry_n the_o second_o and_o moreover_o say_v that_o his_o ancestor_n hold_v those_o tenement_n by_o that_o feoffment_n so_o free_o that_o they_o never_o do_v any_o repair_n to_o the_o say_a bank_n not_o watergangs_a and_o that_o neither_o he_o after_o he_o possess_v the_o same_o land_n nor_o his_o ancestor_n be_v ever_o distrain_v till_o within_o these_o five_o or_o six_o year_n last_o pass_v that_o the_o say_v hamon_n and_o other_o take_v his_o cattle_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o they_o know_v who_o they_o be_v that_o make_v those_o distress_n for_o that_o defect_n in_o repair_v the_o say_a bank_n and_o watergangs_a which_o neither_o he_o nor_o his_o ancestor_n make_v nor_o be_v use_v to_o make_v he_o require_v judgement_n of_o their_o recognition_n whereunto_o the_o say_v hamon_n and_o the_o rest_n reply_v that_o in_o former_a time_n there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o tenant_n in_o the_o say_a marsh_n touch_v the_o repair_n of_o the_o before-specified_n banks_n and_o watergangs_a upon_o which_o there_o grow_v a_o suit_n in_o the_o country_n before_o the_o shireeve_n wherein_o the_o say_v xxiiii_o jurat_n deem_v themselves_o wrong_v come_v to_o the_o king_n court_n and_o complain_v to_o the_o shireeve_n allege_v this_o plea_n do_v not_o pertain_v to_o the_o shireeve_n to_o hold_v it_o be_v therefore_o determine_v by_o the_o king_n counsel_n that_o the_o king_n justice_n shall_v be_v send_v thither_o to_o ordain_v and_o dispose_v of_o those_o difference_n according_a to_o justice_n and_o according_o henry_n the_o bath_n be_v send_v all_o the_o tenant_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n have_v summons_n of_o xl_o day_n as_o in_o the_o iter_fw-la of_o the_o justice_n and_o the_o say_v henry_n upon_o his_o view_n of_o those_o bank_n and_o watergangs_a by_o the_o consent_n &_o good_a like_n of_o the_o whole_a commonality_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n then_o ordain_v that_o the_o archbishop_n bishop_n abbot_n prior_n earl_n baron_n and_o all_o the_o tenant_n in_o the_o say_a marsh_n shall_v contribute_v to_o the_o repair_n of_o those_o bank_n &_o watergangs_a according_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o their_o tenement_n whereupon_o as_o the_o say_v godfrey_n desire_v to_o be_v defend_v by_o the_o say_a bank_n &_o watergangs_a the_o say_a hamon_n require_v that_o he_o the_o say_v godfrey_n shall_v contribute_v to_o those_o repair_n as_o it_o be_v ordain_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o say_a justice_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o ordinance_n as_o aforesaid_a he_o refer_v himself_o to_o the_o record_n in_o the_o roll_n of_o the_o say_v henry_n the_o bath_n and_o also_o the_o say_a hamon_n further_o allege_v that_o of_o necessity_n the_o say_a godfrey_n ought_v to_o contribute_v to_o the_o say_a bank_n etc._n etc._n because_o that_o if_o his_o land_n shall_v not_o be_v defend_v by_o they_o it_o will_v be_v whole_o drown_v &_o make_v salt_n but_o to_o this_o the_o say_v godfrey_n answer_v that_o though_o that_o ordinance_n be_v so_o make_v by_o the_o say_v henry_n yet_o he_o the_o say_v godfrey_n never_o give_v his_o consent_n thereto_o and_o that_o he_o be_v neither_o summon_v nor_o call_v to_o come_v before_o he_o at_o the_o make_v thereof_o and_o moreover_o say_v that_o neither_o before_o the_o same_o ordinance_n so_o make_v nor_o after_o either_o he_o or_o his_o ancestor_n ever_o so_o contribute_v but_o always_o hold_v their_o land_n quiet_o without_o any_o exaction_n at_o all_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o before-specified_n king_n henry_n charter_n grandfather_n to_o the_o then_o king_n henry_n until_o two_o year_n before_o that_o the_o before-specified_n hamon_n and_o other_o take_v his_o cattle_n whereupon_o he_o require_v judgement_n whether_o the_o same_o ordinance_n ought_v to_o prejudice_v he_o in_o that_o behalf_n howbeit_o the_o say_a hamon_n and_o other_o reply_v that_o he_o have_v the_o common_a summons_n of_o xl_o day_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o the_o whole_a commonality_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n have_v whereof_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v ignorant_a and_o thereupon_o say_v that_o though_o the_o say_v godfrey_n will_v not_o come_v as_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v with_o his_o neighbour_n he_o ought_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v free_a from_o payment_n of_o the_o before-specified_n contribution_n for_o repair_v of_o those_o bank_n because_o it_o conduce_v to_o the_o common_a profit_n of_o all_o the_o tenant_n in_o the_o same_o marsh_n that_o aswell_o his_o land_n as_o the_o land_n of_o the_o other_o tenant_n be_v defend_v by_o the_o
richard_n de_fw-fr horn_n stephan_n wettenham_n john_n franceys_n and_o hamon_n wodeman_n be_v put_v in_o commission_n dorso_fw-la for_o to_o supervise_v the_o bank_n in_o this_o marsh_n from_o the_o town_n of_o hethe_n all_o along_o the_o sea-coast_n unto_o apuldre_n as_o also_o in_o other_o marsh_n within_o this_o county_n viz._n from_o the_o haven_n of_o romney_n to_o promhill_n church_n and_o thence_o by_o the_o sea_n coast_n to_o apuldre_n before_o mention_v they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o decay_n in_o sundry_a place_n thereof_o which_o king_n viz._n richard_n the_o 2_o out_o of_o his_o special_a care_n also_o for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o this_o marsh_n have_v view_v the_o charter_n of_o his_o royal_a ancestor_n king_n edward_n the_o first_o wherein_o aswell_o that_o of_o king_n henry_n the_o 3_o whereof_o i_o have_v take_v notice_n in_o its_o due_a place_n as_o that_o memorable_a ordinance_n of_o henry_n de_fw-fr bath_n likewise_o before_o repeat_v be_v recite_v do_v not_o only_o make_v confirmation_n of_o they_o both_o but_o far_o out_o of_o his_o princely_a favour_n by_o the_o assent_n of_o his_o council_n at_o the_o request_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n grant_v 38._o for_o himself_o and_o his_o heir_n to_o the_o bailiff_n and_o twenty-four_o jurat_n which_o then_o be_v and_o that_o thenceforth_o shall_v be_v that_o they_o as_o also_o their_o heir_n and_o successor_n shall_v for_o ever_o have_v this_o liberty_n viz._n they_o and_o every_o of_o they_o to_o be_v exempt_a from_o serve_v at_o any_o assize_n on_o juries_n inquisition_n or_o recognition_n aswell_o within_o this_o county_n of_o kent_n as_o out_o of_o it_o except_v in_o what_o shall_v relate_v to_o the_o say_a king_n or_o his_o heir_n and_o that_o they_o nor_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v shireeve_n eschaetor_n bailiff_n collector_n of_o ten_o or_o fifteen_o or_o of_o any_o other_o subsidy_n charge_v tax_n or_o tallage_n to_o be_v grant_v to_o he_o the_o say_a king_n or_o his_o heir_n or_o any_o other_o officer_n or_o minister_n to_o he_o or_o his_o heir_n aforesaid_a against_o their_o own_o good_a will_n during_o the_o time_n that_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o say_a office_n of_o bailiff_n or_o one_o of_o the_o jurats_n aforesaid_a and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o his_o royal_a grant_n for_o such_o immunity_n he_o there_o declare_v viz._n that_o by_o their_o absence_n the_o whole_a marsh_n as_o he_o have_v be_v inform_v may_v be_v overflow_v in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n and_o so_o utter_o lose_v and_o destroy_v to_o the_o infinite_a peril_n and_o damage_n of_o all_o his_o liege_n people_n in_o those_o part_n in_o like_a manner_n and_o with_o the_o like_a recital_n at_o large_a do_v king_n 17._o henry_n the_o 4_o and_o king_n 21._o henry_n the_o six_o confirm_v the_o say_a charter_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o 3_o and_o the_o so_o often_o mention_v law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o henry_n de_fw-fr bath_n concern_v this_o marsh_n add_v the_o like_a liberty_n and_o privilege_n as_o king_n richard_n the_o second_o by_o his_o charter_n last_o before_o observe_v do_v which_o say_v law_n with_o all_o other_o relate_v to_o this_o marsh_n as_o also_o the_o custom_n thereof_o be_v grow_v at_o length_n so_o famous_a that_o the_o say_a king_n henry_n the_o six_o in_o the_o 6_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n by_o 5._o the_o advice_n and_o assent_n of_o the_o lord_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a and_o at_o the_o special_a instance_n of_o the_o commons_o of_o this_o realm_n then_o assemble_v in_o his_o parliament_n hold_v at_o westminster_n have_v consider_v the_o great_a damage_n and_o loss_n which_o have_v often_o happen_v by_o the_o excessive_a rise_n of_o water_n in_o divers_a part_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o that_o much_o great_a be_v like_o to_o ensue_v if_o remedy_n be_v not_o hasty_o provide_v and_o thereupon_o ordain_v and_o grant_v that_o for_o ten_o year_n â—â—â—n_n next_o ensue_v several_a commissioâ—s_n of_o sewer_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o diverâ—_n person_n by_o the_o chancellor_n of_o engâ—and_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v in_o all_o paâ—ts_n of_o this_o his_o realm_n where_o shall_v be_v needful_a the_o form_n of_o which_o commission_n be_v there_o recite_v among_o other_o thing_n give_v unto_o the_o say_a commissioner_n special_a power_n and_o direction_n by_o that_o act_n to_o make_v and_o ordain_v necessary_a and_o convenable_a statute_n and_o ordinance_n for_o the_o salvation_n and_o conservation_n of_o the_o sea-bank_n and_o marsh_n and_o the_o part_n adjoin_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o romney_n marsh._n and_o after_o the_o expiration_n of_o the_o say_v ten_o year_n by_o act_n 10._o of_o parliament_n in_o 18_o of_o his_o reign_n continue_v the_o same_o form_n of_o commission_n so_o also_o in_o 9_o 23._o the_o like_a do_v 6._o k._n edw._n the_o 4_o in_o 12_o of_o his_o reign_n and_o k._n henry_n the_o 7_o in_o 1._o 4_o of_o he_o and_o now_o have_v thus_o manifest_v how_o great_a a_o care_n and_o regard_v the_o successive_a king_n of_o this_o realm_n have_v for_o divers_a age_n of_o this_o famous_a marsh_n i_o will_v close_v up_o what_o i_o have_v far_o to_o say_v thereof_o with_o that_o notable_a charter_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o 4_o bear_a date_n at_o westminster_n 23_o febr._n in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n whereby_o he_o incorporate_v the_o bailiff_n and_o jurat_v thereof_o the_o tenor_n whereof_o be_v as_o follow_v viz._n that_o whereas_o he_o the_o say_a king_n hold_v himself_o oblige_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o this_o his_o realm_n and_o his_o loyal_a subject_n thereof_o from_o what_o place_n soever_o especial_o those_o who_o lie_v near_a to_o the_o first_o assault_n and_o attempt_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o consider_v that_o many_o town_n and_o place_n situate_v near_o the_o sea_n have_v be_v lay_v waste_n by_o the_o spoil_n and_o burn_n of_o the_o say_a enemy_n and_o through_o the_o affright_v of_o the_o inhabitant_n who_o thereupon_o forsake_v they_o leave_v unhabitable_a and_o desolate_a think_v it_o therefore_o most_o necessary_a to_o repair_v the_o say_a town_n and_o place_n or_o to_o new_a build_v other_o near_o unto_o they_o and_o be_v so_o build_v to_o endow_v and_o arm_v they_o with_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n that_o be_v so_o fortify_v they_o may_v by_o the_o people_n recourse_n to_o they_o be_v make_v more_o powerful_a and_o strong_a for_o the_o better_a safeguard_n of_o the_o whole_a country_n and_o consider_v that_o in_o this_o marsh_n of_o romeney_n in_o the_o county_n of_o kent_n which_o be_v situate_a near_o to_o the_o sea_n there_o be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n such_o a_o plenty_n of_o people_n and_o inhabitant_n as_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v but_o be_v it_o better_o defend_v there_o will_v a_o much_o great_a confluence_n resort_v thereto_o and_o dwell_v therein_o for_o the_o more_o safeguard_n of_o the_o whole_a country_n as_o he_o the_o say_a king_n have_v be_v inform_v from_o the_o credible_a relation_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n and_o other_o part_n adjacent_a take_v therefore_o the_o premise_n into_o consideration_n of_o his_o special_a grace_n and_o favour_n at_o the_o instant_a request_n of_o all_o the_o commonalty_n and_o inhabitant_n within_o the_o say_a marsh_n as_o also_o for_o the_o preservation_n thereof_o and_o more_o security_n of_o the_o adjacent_a town_n he_o give_v and_o grant_v to_o the_o say_a inhabitant_n reside_v within_o the_o limit_n and_o bound_n thereof_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v one_o body_n in_o substance_n and_o name_n and_o one_o commonalty_n perpetual_o incorporate_v of_o one_o bailiff_n and_o twenty-four_o jurat_n and_o the_o commonalty_n of_o the_o say_v romeney_n marsh_n in_o the_o county_n of_o kent_n for_o ever_o and_o that_o the_o say_a bailiff_n jurat_n and_o commonalty_n shall_v have_v a_o continual_a succession_n and_o they_o and_o their_o successor_n for_o ever_o call_v term_v and_o name_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o bailiff_n jurat_n and_o commonalty_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n in_o the_o county_n of_o kent_n and_o that_o they_o and_o their_o successor_n shall_v be_v person_n proper_a and_o capable_a in_o law_n to_o purchase_v land_n and_o tenement_n and_o other_o possession_n whatsoever_o to_o themselves_o and_o their_o successor_n to_o enjoy_v iâ—_n fee_n and_o perpetuity_n and_o that_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o common_a seal_n for_o their_o affair_n and_o business_n relate_v to_o they_o the_o say_a bailiff_n jurat_n and_o commonalty_n and_o their_o successor_n and_o shall_v plead_v and_o be_v implead_v answer_n and_o be_v answer_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o bailiff_n jurat_n and_o commonalty_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n in_o the_o county_n of_o kent_n in_o every_o of_o the_o say_v king_n court_n and_o the_o court_n of_o
his_o heir_n and_o successor_n and_o in_o all_o other_o court_n and_o place_n whatsoever_o which_o say_v bailiff_n and_o jurat_n to_o be_v elect_v in_o like_a manner_n and_o form_n as_o also_o exercise_v their_o office_n and_o be_v displace_v from_o they_o as_o heretofore_o it_o be_v wont_a and_o accustom_v to_o be_v in_o the_o say_v marsh._n and_o moreover_o that_o the_o say_a bailiff_n jurat_n and_o commonalty_n and_o their_o successor_n shall_v have_v a_o certain_a court_n before_o they_o the_o say_a bailiff_n and_o jurat_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n for_o the_o time_n be_v at_o some_o certain_a convenient_a place_n within_o the_o same_o to_o be_v hold_v from_o three_o week_n to_o three_o week_n for_o ever_o and_o have_v full_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o hear_v and_o determine_v in_o the_o say_a court_n by_o bill_n of_o complaint_n therein_o all_o and_o singular_a plea_n of_o debt_n account_n covenant_n contract_n trespass_n by_o force_n and_o arm_n or_o otherwise_o in_o contempt_n of_o the_o say_a king_n or_o his_o heir_n with_o many_o other_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n of_o which_o for_o brevity_n i_o omit_v the_o rehearsal_n refer_v my_o reader_n to_o the_o record_n 3._o itself_o if_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v far_o inform_v therein_o and_o likewise_o the_o say_a king_n for_o himself_o and_o his_o heir_n then_o grant_v to_o the_o say_a bailiff_n jurat_n and_o commonalty_n and_o their_o successor_n that_o they_o shall_v from_o time_n to_o time_n have_v power_n to_o make_v reasoable_a ordinance_n and_o constitution_n of_o good_a credit_n and_o consonant_a to_o reason_n for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o say_a marsh_n as_o also_o for_o the_o sound_n and_o wholesome_a government_n thereof_o and_o for_o the_o common_a profit_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o resident_n therein_o to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o and_o put_v they_o in_o execution_n within_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n thereof_o and_o likewise_o to_o change_v they_o and_o every_o of_o they_o for_o ever_o as_o they_o shall_v see_v best_a and_o that_o the_o say_a bailiff_n jurat_n and_o commonalty_n and_o their_o successor_n for_o the_o necessity_n and_o profit_n relate_v to_o the_o say_a marsh_n shall_v among_o themselves_o assess_v and_o levy_v tax_n and_o lay_v imposition_n upon_o the_o good_n land_n tenement_n and_o merchandize_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o resident_n be_v within_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n and_o otherwise_o as_o it_o shall_v seem_v best_a to_o they_o without_o the_o letâ—_n or_o impediment_n of_o the_o say_a king_n or_o his_o heir_n or_o he_o or_o their_o justice_n or_o other_o their_o officer_n whatsoever_o and_o moreover_o grant_v to_o the_o say_a bailiff_n jurat_n and_o commonalty_n and_o their_o successor_n that_o none_o of_o they_o or_o of_o their_o heir_n and_o successor_n thenceforth_o shall_v be_v put_v or_o impanel_v in_o any_o assize_n jury_n recognition_n attaint_v or_o any_o other_o inquisition_n whatsoever_o out_o of_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n nor_o to_o be_v compel_v to_o go_v out_o of_o those_o bound_n or_o limit_n to_o travail_v on_o any_o juries_n inquisition_n assize_n recognition_n attaint_v or_o matter_n whatsoever_o though_o they_o concern_v the_o say_a king_n or_o his_o heir_n nor_o that_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v a_o assessor_n taxer_n or_o collector_n of_o ten_o fifteen_o or_o any_o parcel_n thereof_o or_o of_o any_o other_o charge_v subsidy_n tallage_n etc._n etc._n whatsoever_o cap_n xii_o have_v now_o do_v with_o romney_n marsh_n i_o come_v to_o east_n kent_n in_o which_o the_o first_o thing_n observable_a wherewith_o i_o have_v meet_v be_v that_o the_o k._n edw._n the_o first_o by_o his_o letter_n dorso_fw-la patent_n bear_v date_n at_o westminster_n xvio_o maii_n in_o the_o thirteen_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n make_v mention_n that_o he_o have_v grant_v licence_n to_o his_o baron_n of_o sandwich_n for_o the_o dig_v of_o a_o certain_a trench_n over_o the_o land_n lie_v betwixt_o gestlinge_n and_o stonflete_a and_o from_o stonflete_a to_o the_o say_a town_n of_o sandwich_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o water_n call_v northbroke_n which_o be_v at_o gestle_v shall_v be_v divert_v so_o that_o it_o may_v run_v to_o sandwich_n for_o the_o perpetual_a commodity_n of_o that_o town_n and_o his_o baron_n thereof_o he_o the_o say_a king_n assign_v solomon_n de_fw-fr rochester_n and_o roger_n de_fw-fr norwode_n to_o inquire_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o honest_a and_o lawful_a man_n of_o the_o county_n of_o kent_n in_o what_o place_n the_o say_a trench_n and_o over_o who_o land_n and_o to_o the_o least_o damage_n of_o the_o say_v landholders_n it_o may_v be_v most_o fit_o make_v as_o also_o to_o provide_v and_o take_v care_n that_o the_o same_o trench_n and_o turn_v of_o the_o say_a water_n shall_v be_v so_o do_v that_o the_o owner_n of_o those_o land_n over_o which_o it_o be_v to_o pass_v may_v be_v satisfy_v for_o the_o hurt_n they_o shall_v receive_v thereby_o before_o the_o work_n be_v begin_v about_o three_o year_n after_o the_o say_a king_n direct_v his_o precept_n a._n date_v at_o tuttebury_n the_o xvijth_o day_n of_o november_n in_o the_o 16_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n unto_o edmund_n de_fw-fr passele_n john_n de_fw-fr ifelde_n and_o stephan_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr dane_n and_o therein_o express_v that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o defect_n in_o repair_n and_o support_v of_o the_o bank_n 223._o ditch_n etc._n etc._n on_o the_o seacoast_n and_o adjacent_a land_n lie_v in_o the_o part_n of_o east-kent_n very_o great_a damage_n through_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o overflow_a of_o the_o fresh_a water_n have_v happen_v and_o that_o great_a will_v ensue_v unless_o some_o speedy_a remedy_n be_v apply_v for_o prevention_n thereof_o he_o constitute_v the_o say_a edmund_n john_n and_o stephan_n his_o justice_n to_o supervise_v and_o take_v care_n thereof_o by_o virtue_n of_o which_o precept_n the_o shireeve_n of_o kent_n be_v command_v to_o bring_v before_o the_o say_a justice_n at_o a_o certain_a day_n and_o place_n twenty-four_o aswell_o knight_n as_o other_o honest_a and_o lawful_a man_n of_o the_o vicinage_n of_o monketone_n and_o menstre_n in_o the_o isle_n of_o thanet_n and_o to_o inquire_v of_o the_o premise_n at_o which_o day_n he_o according_o return_v his_o writ_n and_o bring_v before_o they_o john_n friday_n roger_n belringer_n and_o other_o who_o be_v swear_v to_o take_v view_n of_o the_o defect_n in_o those_o bank_n ditch_n gutter_n and_o sewer_n in_o the_o marsh_n of_o monketone_n and_o menstre_n and_o to_o certify_v unto_o the_o say_a justice_n through_o who_o default_n those_o damage_n have_v happen_v they_o answer_v that_o they_o know_v not_o except_o it_o be_v by_o the_o boysterousnesse_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o flood_n of_o fresh_a water_n and_o be_v ask_v when_o the_o say_v bank_n and_o ditch_n be_v so_o destroy_v and_o who_o ought_v and_o have_v wont_a to_o repair_v they_o they_o say_v upon_o their_o oath_n that_o when_o the_o sea-bank_n be_v new_o make_v all_o the_o man_n that_o have_v land_n lie_v within_o the_o danger_n of_o inundation_n whether_o they_o be_v near_o or_o remote_a and_o who_o have_v preservation_n by_o the_o same_o bank_n do_v contribute_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o what_o they_o hold_v for_o a_o certain_a time_n to_o the_o make_n and_o reparation_n thereof_o and_o after_o the_o make_n and_o first_o repair_n of_o the_o same_o those_o then_o who_o have_v land_n adjacent_a thereto_o do_v at_o their_o own_o cost_n repair_v the_o same_o defect_n which_o afterward_o happen_v and_o not_o any_o other_o and_o have_v peruse_v the_o ordinance_n of_o sir_n henry_n de_fw-fr bath_n john_n de_fw-fr lovetot_n and_o other_o justice_n their_o associate_n which_o be_v approve_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o king_n in_o which_o ordinance_n it_o be_v express_o contain_v that_o all_o person_n have_v land_n or_o tenement_n or_o common_a of_o pasture_n or_o fish_n or_o that_o have_v defence_n and_o preservation_n in_o any_o sort_n or_o may_v have_v by_o the_o bank_n ditch_n gutter_n sewer_n etc._n etc._n in_o those_o marish_a ground_n aught_o to_o contribute_v according_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o their_o say_a land_n and_o tenement_n either_o by_o number_n of_o acre_n or_o by_o carucate_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o their_o say_a tenure_n not_o only_o to_o the_o new_a make_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n ditch_n etc._n etc._n but_o to_o their_o repair_n and_o support_v as_o often_o and_o whensover_v need_n shall_v require_v whereupon_o it_o seem_v meet_v to_o the_o say_a justice_n that_o not_o only_o they_o who_o have_v ground_n lie_v near_o to_o those_o bank_n but_o also_o they_o who_o hold_v land_n situate_v within_o the_o before-specified_n marsh_n of_o monketone_n and_o menstre_n whether_o near_o
common_a forland_n as_o before_o that_o time_n have_v be_v use_v upon_o which_o such_o carriage_n as_o shall_v be_v necessary_a for_o the_o repair_n maintenance_n or_o make_v of_o those_o wall_n might_n without_o impediment_n be_v make_v and_o likewise_o the_o say_a juror_n be_v in_o form_n aforesaid_a swear_v do_v several_o say_v that_o the_o land-holders_n in_o the_o say_a marsh_n call_v the_o becard_n who_o ought_v to_o pay_v and_o contribute_v to_o the_o repair_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o bank_n within_o those_o limit_n except_o before_o except_v have_v not_o any_o way_n by_o which_o they_o may_v go_v ride_v or_o drive_v to_o that_o marsh_n nor_o from_o it_o except_o over_o other_o man_n land_n or_o upon_o the_o bank_n or_o forland_n lead_v thence_o to_o and_o from_o the_o say_v marsh._n and_o they_o say_v that_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o marsh-law_n there_o in_o all_o such_o case_n before_o that_o time_n use_v the_o tenant_n of_o that_o land_n at_o their_o pleasure_n may_v go_v ride_v and_o drive_v to_o and_o fro_o to_o the_o say_a marsh_n and_o from_o the_o say_a marsh_n over_o and_o upon_o the_o forland_n of_o the_o bank_n lead_v to_o the_o say_a marsh_n and_o from_o the_o same_o and_o as_o to_o the_o number_n of_o acre_n or_o partition_n of_o the_o land_n and_o marsh_n &c._n &c._n within_o those_o limit_n except_o before_o except_v or_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o land-holders_n and_o how_o much_o land_n every_o such_o tenant_n have_v or_o hold_v of_o the_o say_a land_n and_o marsh_n within_o the_o say_a limit_n except_o before_o except_v the_o say_a juror_n do_v several_o present_v the_o certainty_n thereupon_o according_a to_o the_o form_n and_o as_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o sewer_n within_o those_o limit_n except_o before_o except_v then_o exhibit_v before_o the_o say_a justice_n and_o thereupon_o the_o say_a john_n fog_n john_n scotte_n and_o other_o to_o the_o number_n of_o eight_o of_o the_o say_a justice_n forasmuch_o as_o upon_o their_o say_a view_n and_o inquisition_n aforesaid_a make_v and_o take_v in_o form_n aforesaid_a it_o evident_o appear_v to_o they_o that_o the_o say_v land_n and_o marsh_n within_o those_o limit_n except_o before_o except_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o danger_n of_o drown_v by_o default_n in_o repair_n and_o maintenance_n of_o those_o bank_n whereupon_o in_o short_a time_n inestimable_a damage_n may_v accrue_v unless_o a_o fit_a remedy_n in_o that_o behalf_n be_v the_o soon_o have_v and_o that_o all_o the_o land_n and_o marsh_n within_o those_o limit_n except_o before_o except_v may_v very_o well_o be_v preserve_v and_o defend_v by_o the_o repair_n and_o support_v of_o those_o bank_n and_o by_o the_o make_n of_o sewer_n ditch_n and_o gutter_n in_o those_o marsh_n from_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o flood_n of_o fresh_a water_n to_o the_o great_a commodity_n of_o all_o the_o landholders_n within_o those_o precinct_n except_o before_o except_v and_o that_o in_o default_n of_o such_o repair_n and_o support_v of_o those_o bank_n and_o every_o of_o they_o all_o the_o land_n and_o marsh_n those_o except_v as_o aforesaid_a will_v be_v in_o peril_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o easy_o overwhelm_v to_o the_o inestimable_a loss_n of_o all_o the_o landholders_n there_o whereby_o all_o those_o tenant_n except_o before_o except_v ought_v equal_o to_o contribute_v to_o the_o cost_n and_o charge_n of_o such_o repair_n and_o maintenance_n for_o the_o safeguard_n and_o defence_n of_o their_o land_n and_o marsh_n there_o from_o this_o peril_n and_o inundation_n viz._n every_o one_o of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o what_o he_o hold_v as_o his_o number_n of_o acre_n and_o perch_n of_o land_n there_o as_o in_o the_o say_a marsh_n of_o romeney_n according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n statute_n and_o custom_n thereof_o have_v and_o to_o that_o time_n use_v in_o the_o like_a case_n there_o have_v wont_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v consider_v beside_o that_o the_o say_v land_n and_o marsh_n ☜_o lie_v within_o those_o limit_n except_o before_o except_v be_v never_o before_o settle_v under_o any_o certain_a and_o fit_a statute_n or_o ordinance_n by_o any_o authority_n for_o their_o secure_a defence_n and_o preservation_n and_o moreover_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o say_a king_n desire_v seasonable_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o this_o his_o realm_n and_o chief_o for_o those_o part_n upon_o the_o seacoast_n in_o his_o parliament_n hold_v at_o westminster_n the_o six_o of_o october_n in_o the_o xijth_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n and_o by_o divers_a prorogation_n continue_v till_o the_o first_o day_n of_o may_n in_o the_o xiiijth_o year_n thereof_o by_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o lord_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a sit_v in_o the_o say_a parliament_n at_o the_o petition_n of_o the_o commonalty_n of_o this_o his_o realm_n then_o and_o there_o exhibit_v to_o he_o among_o other_o thing_n ordain_v and_o constitute_v that_o several_a commission_n of_o sewer_n shall_v be_v issue_v out_o to_o sundry_a person_n by_o the_o chancellor_n of_o england_n for_o the_o time_n be_v throughout_o all_o the_o part_n of_o this_o realm_n where_o need_n shall_v require_v according_a to_o the_o form_n of_o a_o certain_a commission_n in_o a_o statute_n make_v in_o the_o parliament_n of_o henry_n the_o six_o in_o deed_n but_o not_o in_o right_a king_n of_o england_n hold_v at_o westminster_n in_o the_o six_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n and_o that_o the_o say_v commissioner_n shall_v have_v full_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o make_v ordain_v and_o constitute_v statute_n and_o ordinance_n and_o to_o perform_v all_o other_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o power_n and_o effect_n of_o those_o commission_n as_o in_o the_o say_a statute_n of_o the_o say_v xijth_o year_n publish_v be_v more_o full_o contain_v whereupon_o the_o say_a king_n issue_v out_o his_o letter_n patent_n to_o the_o before-specified_n sir_n john_n fog_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o justice_n beforementioned_a in_o form_n aforesaid_a the_o tenor_n of_o which_o petition_n and_o answer_n thereto_o and_o of_o the_o statute_n ordinance_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o say_v romeney_n marsh_n be_v contain_v in_o a_o certain_a roll_n annex_v thereunto_o have_v also_o regard_v to_o the_o public_a advantage_n and_o common_a profit_n aswell_o by_o virtue_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o say_a statute_n publish_v in_o the_o say_v xijth_o year_n as_o of_o the_o say_a letter_n patent_n as_o aforesaid_a hereupon_o make_v to_o the_o before-specified_n justice_n in_o form_n aforesaid_a and_o other_o premise_n that_o it_o will_v seem_v just_a and_o equal_a to_o they_o in_o this_o behalf_n and_o most_o consonant_a to_o reason_n to_o establish_v and_o ordain_v what_o shall_v be_v most_o proper_a for_o the_o avoid_n of_o the_o peril_n and_o damage_n abovesaid_a call_v together_o such_o as_o the_o business_n concern_v for_o the_o perpetual_a safeguard_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o say_a land_n and_o marsh_n within_o those_o limit_n except_o before_o except_v by_o the_o assent_n aswell_o of_o all_o those_o juror_n of_o the_o enquest_n aforesaid_a appear_v before_o the_o say_a justice_n who_o have_v land_n within_o the_o limit_n aforesaid_a liable_a to_o the_o say_a danger_n to_o be_v preserve_v in_o form_n aforesaid_a as_o also_o of_o very_a many_o lord_n of_o fee_n and_o other_o land-holders_n there_o be_v on_o the_o say_v friday_n at_o lyde_n aforesaid_a in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o say_v king_n royal_a purpose_n for_o more_o advantage_n and_o less_o detriment_n the_o say_a justice_n do_v provide_v make_v and_o publish_v certain_a proper_a and_o commodious_a statute_n and_o ordinance_n for_o the_o king_n people_n and_o especial_o for_o all_o the_o land-holders_n in_o those_o ground_n and_o marsh_n within_o the_o say_a limit_n except_o before_o except_v not_o favour_v any_o person_n therein_o to_o endure_v and_o be_v observe_v for_o ever_o as_o follow_v first_o it_o be_v decree_v and_o ordain_v by_o the_o say_a justice_n justice_n with_o the_o consent_n aforesaid_a that_o thenceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o there_o shall_v be_v within_o the_o land_n and_o marsh_n aforesaid_a within_o the_o limit_n aforesaid_a except_o before_o except_v two_o bailiff_n twenty_o four_o jurat_n two_o collector_n and_o two_o expenditor_n of_o the_o land-holders_n within_o those_o limit_n except_o before_o except_v for_o the_o preservation_n safeguard_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o say_a land_n and_o marsh_n except_o before_o except_v and_o of_o the_o bank_n belong_v thereto_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o which_o say_v twenty-four_o jurat_n ten_o or_o eight_o of_o they_o at_o least_o the_o say_a land_n and_o marsh_n except_o before_o except_v ought_v to_o be_v govern_v keep_v defend_v and_o preserve_v from_o the_o peril_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o inundation_n of_o the_o fresh_a matter_n by_o bank_n
choakâ—_n up_o do_v endanger_v the_o drown_v the_o adjacent_a marsh_n and_o that_o the_o cleanse_v thereof_o pertain_v to_o the_o heir_n of_o the_o say_v richard_n and_o last_o that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a sewer_n call_v ozflete_a pasâ—ing_v from_o the_o water_n of_o s._n thomas_n unto_o the_o thames_n stop_v up_o also_o for_o want_v of_o cleanse_v to_o the_o great_a annoyance_n of_o the_o land_n of_o john_n capsho_n and_o robert_n allard_n which_o sewer_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v scour_v by_o the_o say_v john_n and_o robert_n it_o be_v therefore_o ordain_v by_o the_o before-specified_n justice_n that_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n le_fw-fr latimer_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o person_n so_o present_v as_o aforesaid_a shall_v be_v distrain_v to_o make_v good_a the_o several_a repair_v abovementioned_a so_o belong_v unto_o they_o in_o 26_o e._n 3._o will._n thorpe_n james_n hâ—fee_n and_o will._n de_fw-fr fifhide_n be_v appoint_v dorso_fw-la 〈◊〉_d view_n and_o repair_v the_o bank_n aâ—â—he_v stew_n and_o in_o other_o place_n adjaâ—â—â—â—â—_n by_o the_o breach_n whereof_o divers_a groundâ—_n and_o meadow_n lay_v then_o total_o drown_v and_o in_o 37_o e._n 3._o edmund_z chelreye_v thomas_n morice_n and_o michael_n skill_v have_v dorso_fw-la the_o like_a appointment_n for_o those_o bank_n near_o the_o say_a stew_n which_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o manor_n house_n of_o john_n de_fw-fr moâ—bray_n before_o which_o commissioner_n divers_a presentment_n be_v then_o make_v touch_v those_o bank_n and_o sewer_n near_o the_o same_o stew_n where_o divers_a person_n be_v find_v faulty_a pay_v fine_n to_o the_o king_n other_o acknowlege_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o repair_v they_o by_o the_o perch_n and_o other_o have_v make_v good_a what_o belong_v to_o they_o to_o do_v whereof_o the_o prior_n of_o s._n johns_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v one_o who_o have_v two_o mill_n there_o and_o other_o land_n to_o the_o value_n of_o xl_o surr._n per_fw-la annum_fw-la the_o like_a be_v certify_v 26._o of_o sir_n john_n de_fw-fr mowbray_n knight_n and_o elizabeth_z his_o wife_n daughter_n and_o heir_n of_o john_n de_fw-fr segrave_n in_o 42_o e._n 3._o john_n lovekin_n will._n taâ—ke_v will._n de_fw-fr neudigate_n anâ—_n othâ—rs_n have_v the_o like_a assignation_n doâ—sâ—_n for_o the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n extend_v from_o a_o place_n call_v dâ—nielissewalle_n in_o this_o county_n of_o surrey_n to_o roddisâ—orne_v in_o kent_n and_o in_o 48_o e._n 3._o robert_n bealknap_n will._n halden_n roger_n dig_v and_o other_o for_o dorso_fw-la the_o same_o bank_n betwixt_o danyeleswalle_n and_o the_o land_n of_o the_o prior_n of_o s._n marry_o de_fw-fr overe_fw-la and_o about_o a_o meadow_n call_v croâ—chemede_o by_o which_o commission_n â—hâ—y_v â—ere_z direct_v to_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n of_o england_n in_o 4_o h._n 5._o john_n pâ—eston_n sir_n john_n dâ—ayton_n knight_n thomas_n rothewell_n junior_a thowe_v drewe_n richard_n wydeforde_n and_o thomas_n coventre_n be_v constitute_v doâ—sâ—_n commissioner_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n ditch_n etc._n etc._n all_o along_o the_o verge_n of_o the_o thames_n on_o both_o side_n from_o read_v to_o oxford_n which_o be_v then_o break_v in_o many_o place_n with_o appointment_n to_o proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o england_n the_o next_o year_n follow_v john_n preston_n john_n martin_n john_n corf_n john_n appulton_n robert_n skyrne_n and_o nicholas_n doâ—sâ—_n conyngston_n have_v the_o like_a commission_n for_o those_o bank_n etc._n etc._n betwixt_o depford_n strand_n and_o bermundsey_n wherein_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o â—he_n marsh_n and_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n in_o 22_o h._n 6._o sir_n john_n burcestre_n knight_n ricâ—ard_a bamme_n richard_n comâ—e_v will._n oâ—â—urne_n adam_n lynelord_n john_n martin_n john_n malton_n and_o will._n kyrton_n be_v assign_v dâ—â—so_o to_o view_v all_o those_o bank_n on_o the_o side_n of_o thames_n and_o marsh_n adjoin_v aswell_o within_o the_o lordship_n of_o south_n lambehithe_n north_n lambehithe_n lambehithe_n mershe_o and_o parysh-garden_n as_o in_o southwerk_n bermundsey_n retherhithe_n depford_n strand_n peckham_n hacham_n camerwell_n stokwell_n clopham_n and_o newyngton_n in_o the_o county_n of_o surrey_n and_o kent_n which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n break_v and_o in_o decay_n and_o to_o take_v order_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o they_o as_o also_o to_o make_v necessary_a law_n and_o ordinance_n for_o the_o safeguard_n and_o preservation_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n and_o moreover_o to_o impress_v so_o many_o digger_n and_o labourer_n to_o be_v employ_v therein_o upon_o compâ—â—ent_a salarye_n as_o shall_v be_v necessary_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a necessity_n at_o that_o time_n for_o the_o speedy_a dispatch_n of_o that_o work_n the_o like_a commission_n dorso_o and_o direction_n have_v john_n bamburgh_n richard_n bamme_n richard_n drax_n and_o philip_n leweston_n in_o 25_o h._n 6._o for_o the_o bank_n in_o the_o same_o lordship_n and_o place_n and_o in_o 31_o h._n 6._o sir_n john_n burcestre_n knight_n richard_n waller_n esquire_n will._n laken_n philip_n leweston_n and_o other_o have_v dorso_fw-la the_o like_a for_o the_o view_n of_o all_o the_o bank_n from_o east-grenewiche_a in_o kent_n to_o wandesworth_n in_o surrey_n so_o also_o have_v ibid._n the_o say_a sir_n john_n burcestre_n sir_n john_n cheyne_n knight_n richard_n waller_n esquire_n will._n laken_n and_o other_o for_o those_o betwixt_o west-grenewiche_a and_o wandesworth_n aforesaid_a viz._n to_o the_o sluice_n callâ—d_v harescluse_a râ—therhithe_n suthwerke_n bermondsey_n parysgaâ—dyn_n lâ—mbehythe_n lambehythe_n mersh_fw-mi batersey_n wandesworth_n clopham_n pekham_n and_o camberwerwell_n the_o like_a commission_n dorso_o for_o the_o same_o place_n and_o to_o proceed_v according_o have_v sir_n john_n bourgchier_n of_o barner_n knight_n sir_n john_n burcestre_n sir_n john_n cheyne_n knight_n and_o other_o in_o 33_o h._n 6._o so_o also_o have_v dorso_fw-la sir_n ralph_n josselyn_n knight_n mayor_z of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n sir_n walter_n moil_n knight_n sir_n john_n burcestre_n knight_n nich._n gaynesford_n esquire_n john_n woo_v and_o other_o in_o 5_o e._n 4._o and_o likewise_o dorso_o sir_n richard_n fenys_n lord_n dacres_n john_n abbot_n of_o bermundsey_n henry_n prior_n of_o s._n marie_n overey_n in_o suthwerk_n will._n cross_n master_n of_o the_o hospital_n of_o s._n thomas_n the_o martyr_n in_o suthwerk_n and_o divers_a other_o in_o 14_o e._n 4._o cap._n xv._n have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o marsh_n on_o the_o south_n part_n of_o thames_n i_o come_v to_o those_o on_o the_o north_n side_n lie_v in_o the_o county_n of_o midlesex_n and_o essex_n beginning_n with_o middlesex_n where_o the_o first_o mention_n i_o find_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v that_o in_o 26_o e._n 1._o robert_n de_fw-fr retford_n and_o henry_n spigurnell_n be_v assign_v dorso_fw-la to_o view_v and_o repair_v the_o bank_n and_o ditch_n in_o stebbenhethe_n and_o the_o part_n adjacent_a after_o this_o viz._n on_o wednesâ—ay_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n martin_n midd._n the_o bishop_n in_o 18_o e._n 2._o there_o be_v a_o inquisition_n take_v at_o the_o hospital_n of_o s._n kathrines_n near_o the_o tower_n of_o london_n before_o will._n de_fw-fr broke_n and_o robert_n de_fw-fr kellesey_n than_o the_o king_n justice_n for_o view_n of_o the_o bank_n ditch_n etc._n etc._n lie_v betwixt_o the_o say_a hospital_n and_o the_o town_n of_o chadewelle_n and_o for_o repair_v of_o the_o same_o before_o who_o the_o juror_n do_v present_a upon_o their_o oath_n that_o a_o certain_a person_n of_o ancient_a time_n lord_n of_o the_o manor_n of_o stebenhethe_n beforementioned_a who_o name_n they_o know_v not_o do_v by_o his_o industry_n recover_v a_o certain_a marsh_n there_o contain_v about_o a_o hundred_o acre_n of_o land_n which_o marsh_n be_v then_o drown_v by_o the_o overflow_a of_o the_o thames_n and_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o say_a presentment_n so_o make_v have_v bank_n ditch_n etc._n etc._n and_o do_v so_o lie_v betwixt_o the_o say_a hospital_n and_o shadwelle_n but_o through_o the_o want_n of_o their_o repair_n be_v then_o frequent_o overflow_v and_o in_o divers_a place_n drown_v to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o the_o people_n in_o those_o part_n which_o lord_n of_o the_o say_a manor_n of_o stebenhethe_n do_v afterward_o grant_v by_o charter_n to_o certain_a of_o his_o free_a man_n xlij_o acre_n and_o a_o half_a of_o land_n with_o the_o appurtenance_n severally_z by_o parcel_n to_o be_v hold_v by_o they_o and_o their_o heir_n by_o certain_a service_n for_o ever_o and_o to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v the_o say_a bank_n ditch_n sewer_n etc._n etc._n viz._n each_o man_n upon_o his_o own_o proper_a ground_n border_v on_o the_o say_a river_n of_o thames_n of_o which_o xlij_o
say_a bank_n to_o take_v care_n of_o its_o amendment_n in_o 34_o h._n 6._o sir_n john_n fortescu_n knight_n then_o chief_a justice_n of_o the_o king_n bench_n john_n fylolle_n thomas_n burgoyne_n walter_n grene_n john_n harpour_n robert_n tanfeld_n will._n chadworth_n thomas_n cornwalys_n and_o thomas_n croxton_n be_v appoint_v dorso_fw-la commissioner_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n &c._n &c._n lie_v betwixt_o s._n katherine_n mill_n before_o mention_v unto_o the_o chapel_n call_v s._n marie_n matfelone_n thence_o to_o the_o church_n of_o s._n dunstan_n in_o stepenhithe_n thence_o to_o the_o church_n of_o s._n leonard_n in_o bremley_n thence_o to_o the_o river_n of_o leye_n thence_o to_o the_o thames_n and_o so_o to_o the_o say_a mill_n and_o to_o make_v law_n and_o ordinance_n according_a to_o those_o of_o romeney_n marsh_n the_o like_a dorso_fw-la commission_n in_o 7_o e._n 4._o have_v thomas_n abbot_n of_o grace_n near_o the_o tower_n of_o london_n thomas_n urswyk_n thomas_n frowyk_n esquire_n and_o other_o in_o 14_o e._n 4._o sir_n thomas_n urswyke_a knight_n john_n elryngtone_n thomas_n frowyk_n will._n essex_n and_o other_o be_v assign_v dorso_fw-la to_o view_v and_o take_v order_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o all_o those_o bank_n &c._n &c._n lie_v betwixt_o the_o tower_n of_o london_n and_o the_o town_n of_o stratford_n atte_n bow_n and_o to_o proceed_v therein_o by_o make_v law_n etc._n etc._n and_o otherwise_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n in_o 20_o e._n 4._o thomas_n bishop_n of_o london_n edmund_z abbot_z of_o grace_n will._n wirsley_n dean_n of_o paul_n sir_n john_n elryngton_n and_o sir_n thomas_n frowyk_n knight_n richard_n gardener_z and_o other_o have_v dorso_fw-la the_o like_a assignation_n for_o those_o betwixt_o the_o town_n of_o lymeostez_n and_o the_o wall_n call_v black_a wall_n so_o ibid._n also_o in_o the_o same_o year_n have_v the_o say_a thomas_n edmund_z and_o william_n together_z with_o henry_n sharp_a dean_n of_o the_o free_a chapel_n of_o s._n stephan_n within_o the_o king_n palace_n at_o westminster_n john_n harding_n master_n of_o the_o hospital_n of_o s._n thomas_n of_o acon_n in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n sir_n john_n elryngton_n knight_n sir_n thomas_z frowyk_fw-mi knight_n richard_n gardner_n and_o other_o for_o all_o the_o bank_n upon_o the_o river_n of_o thames_n and_o leye_a betwixt_o the_o mete_n and_o bound_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n and_o the_o bridge_n of_o stratford_n atte_n bow_n on_o the_o north_n and_o west_n side_n of_o those_o river_n and_o the_o roadway_n which_o lie_v betwixt_o white_a chapel_n parish_n and_o the_o town_n of_o stratford_n atte_n bow_n before-specified_n cap._n xvi_o marsh_n in_o the_o suburb_n of_o london_n and_o that_o some_o place_n in_o the_o very_a suburb_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n itself_o have_v original_o be_v fenny_a and_o moorish_a though_o now_o by_o no_o small_a industry_n and_o cost_n equal_v the_o chief_a which_o be_v natural_o otherwise_o be_v apparent_a from_o undoubted_a testimony_n fitz_n stephan_n who_o live_v above_o five_o hundred_o year_n since_o speak_v of_o that_o place_n now_o call_v b._n moor_n field_n say_v thus_o cum_fw-la est_fw-la congelata_fw-la palus_fw-la illa_fw-la magna_fw-la quae_fw-la moenia_fw-la vrbis_fw-la aquilonalis_fw-la alluit_fw-la exeunt_fw-la lusum_fw-la super_fw-la glaciem_fw-la densae_fw-la juvenum_fw-la turmae_fw-la etc._n etc._n when_o the_o great_a fen_n which_o water_v the_o wall_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o the_o city_n be_v freeze_v multitude_n of_o young_a people_n go_v to_o play_v upon_o the_o ice_n some_o take_v a_o little_a room_n to_o run_v do_v set_v their_o foot_n a_o good_a distance_n and_o glide_v a_o great_a way_n other_o sit_v upon_o thick_a piece_n of_o ice_n as_o big_a as_o millstone_n and_o be_v draw_v by_o many_o who_o hold_v hand_n in_o hand_n when_o the_o foot_n of_o one_o slip_v they_o all_o tumble_v down_o together_o but_o other_o more_o expert_a in_o sport_v thereon_o fix_v bone_n under_o their_o heel_n and_o take_v a_o pikestaff_n do_v shove_v themselves_o forward_o with_o so_o much_o force_n that_o they_o glide_v with_o no_o less_o swiftness_n than_o a_o bird_n fly_v or_o a_o arrow_n pass_v out_o of_o a_o bow_n this_o fen_n say_v a._n stow_n stretch_v from_o the_o wall_n of_o the_o city_n betwixt_o bishopsgate_n and_o the_o postern_n call_v cripplegate_n to_o finsbury_n and_o to_o holy-well_a continue_v a_o waste_n and_o a_o unprofitable_a ground_n a_o long_a time_n so_o that_o the_o same_o be_v all_o let_v for_o four_o mark_n the_o year_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o second_o but_o in_o the_o year_n mccccxv_n 3_o h._n 5._o thomas_n fawconer_n maior_n cause_v the_o wall_n to_o be_v break_v towards_o the_o moor_n and_o build_v the_o postern_n call_v moor_n gate_n for_o ease_v of_o the_o citizen_n to_o walk_v that_o way_n upon_o causey_n to_o iseldâ—n_n and_o hoxton_n moreover_o he_o cause_v the_o ditch_n of_o the_o city_n and_o other_o the_o ditch_n from_o shores-ditch_n to_o deep_a ditch_n by_o bethlem_n into_o the_o moor_n ditch_n to_o be_v new_o cast_v and_o cleanse_v by_o mean_n whereof_o the_o say_a fen_n or_o moor_n be_v great_o drain_v and_o dry_v and_o in_o the_o year_n mdxij_o roger_n atchley_n maior_n cause_v divers_a dikes_n to_o be_v cast_v and_o make_v to_o drain_v the_o water_n of_o the_o say_v moor_n field_n with_o bridge_n arch_v over_o they_o and_o the_o ground_n about_o to_o be_v level_v whereby_o the_o say_a field_n be_v make_v somewhat_o more_o commodious_a but_o yet_o it_o stand_v full_a of_o noisome_a water_n whereupon_o in_o the_o year_n mdxxvij_o sir_n thomas_n seymour_n maior_n cause_v divers_a sluice_n to_o be_v make_v to_o convey_v the_o say_v water_n over_o the_o town_n ditch_n into_o the_o course_n of_o walbrooke_n and_o so_o into_o the_o thames_n and_o by_o these_o degree_n be_v this_o fen_n or_o moor_n at_o length_n make_v main_a and_o hard_a ground_n which_o before_o be_v overgrow_v with_o flag_n sedge_n and_o rush_n serve_v to_o no_o use_n nor_o be_v the_o ground_n in_o fleetstreet_n and_o thereabouts_o long_o since_o much_o better_a than_o a_o marish_a for_o the_o same_o author_n a._n say_v that_o in_o the_o year_n mdxcv_o he_o observe_v that_o when_o the_o labourer_n have_v break_v up_o the_o pavement_n against_o chancery_n lane_n end_n up_z towards_z s._n dunstan_n church_n and_o have_v dig_v four_o foot_n deep_a they_o find_v another_o pavement_n of_o hard_a stone_n more_o sufficient_a than_o the_o first_o and_o therefore_o hard_o to_o be_v break_v under_o which_o be_v in_o the_o made-ground_n pile_n of_o timber_n drive_v very_o thick_a and_o almost_o close_o together_o the_o same_o be_v as_o black_a as_o coal_n and_o many_o of_o they_o rot_v and_o now_o to_o manifest_v that_o not_o only_o the_o law_n but_o the_o usual_a practice_n be_v where_o disobedience_n or_o neglect_n have_v be_v find_v in_o those_o as_o be_v chardgable_a with_o the_o maintenance_n of_o any_o bank_n or_o sewer_n make_v for_o the_o common_a defence_n of_o such_o marsh_n as_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o surround_v that_o coercion_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v for_o the_o performance_n thereof_o i_o shall_v here_o exhibit_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o decree_n pettiâ—ag_n make_v in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o ilford_n in_o essex_n 19_o aprilis_n aº_n 1639._o which_o recite_v a_o ordinance_n make_v in_o the_o like_a session_n at_o ilford_n before-specified_n for_o raise_v the_o sum_n of_o seventeen_o hundred_o and_o six_o pound_n for_o repair_v a_o breach_n in_o the_o bank_n or_o marsh-wall_n of_o bromley_n marsh_n in_o this_o county_n whereby_o ninety_o four_o acre_n of_o land_n be_v surround_v and_o the_o neglect_n of_o certain_a person_n therein_o name_v to_o pay_v their_o proportion_n thereof_o which_o be_v assess_v upon_o they_o a_o lease_n for_o xli_o year_n be_v make_v of_o several_a parcel_n of_o ground_n belong_v to_o those_o so_o neglect_v unto_o other_o at_o the_o rent_n of_o one_o pepper_n corn_n yearly_o cap._n xvii_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o marsh_n in_o middlesex_n essex_n i_o come_v to_o those_o in_o essex_n which_o county_n be_v divide_v by_o the_o river_n of_o lie_n ancient_o call_v luye_o of_o this_o river_n it_o be_v memorable_a 10._o that_o the_o dane_n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 894._o and_o 23_o of_o king_n alfred_n reign_n sail_v up_o it_o with_o their_o ship_n and_o build_v a_o castle_n on_o the_o bank_n thereof_o about_o xx_o mile_n from_o london_n near_o which_o the_o londoner_n give_v they_o battle_n and_o have_v the_o better_a of_o the_o day_n put_v they_o to_o flight_n so_o that_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o fly_v to_o that_o hold_v whereof_o the_o king_n have_v notice_n he_o cause_v this_o river_n to_o be_v cut_v into_o three_o branch_n to_o
whereof_o the_o say_a marsh_n lie_v situate_a and_o dionyse_o then_o abbot_n of_o robertsbrigge_n and_o the_o covent_n of_o that_o monastery_n for_o the_o title_n of_o that_o whole_a marish_a and_o that_o upon_o a_o amicable_a agreement_n then_o make_v betwixt_o they_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o covent_n do_v quit_v all_o their_o title_n thereto_o unto_o the_o before-specified_n prior_n and_o covent_n of_o christ-church_n but_o the_o say_a prior_n and_o covent_n out_o of_o a_o pious_a regard_n to_o the_o want_n of_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o covent_n do_v by_o their_o special_a favour_n then_o grant_v they_o and_o their_o successor_n one_o hundred_o acre_n of_o those_o seven_o hundred_o viz._n one_o hundred_o lie_v next_o to_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o covent_n near_o unto_o the_o land_n of_o adam_n de_fw-fr cherringe_n which_o at_o that_o time_n they_o have_v enclose_v about_o the_o newewodrove_n and_o that_o this_o agreement_n be_v by_o the_o beforementioned_a earl_n then_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v as_o the_o instrument_n testify_v the_o same_o then_o exhibit_v do_v full_o manifest_a so_o that_o the_o say_a abbot_n &_o covent_n ought_v not_o to_o challenge_v any_o thing_n more_o in_o that_o marish_a other_o than_o in_o those_o c_o acre_n so_o give_v to_o they_o as_o aforesaid_a in_o consideration_n therefore_o of_o all_o the_o premise_n and_o circumstance_n thereof_o and_o especial_o of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o evidence_n produce_v on_o each_o part_n as_o also_o to_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o the_o say_a town_n of_o snergate_n and_o apuldre_n the_o perfect_a knowledge_n whereof_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a and_o continual_a inundation_n of_o the_o sea_n can_v not_o or_o be_v ever_o likely_a to_o be_v well_o discover_v all_o party_n therefore_o more_o desire_v peace_n than_o strife_n and_o contention_n do_v unanimous_o agree_v that_o the_o say_a prior_n and_o covent_n of_o christs-church_n shall_v release_v unto_o the_o abbot_n and_o covent_n of_o robertsbrigge_n and_o their_o successor_n all_o their_o title_n to_o that_o parcel_n of_o land_n call_v the_o newewoderove_n and_o in_o xxviij_o acre_n of_o land_n then_o new_o enclose_v in_o the_o bâ—ecarde_n towards_o apuldre_n and_o in_o the_o say_v cclxxi_o acre_n and_o a_o half_a of_o land_n then_o to_o be_v enclose_v in_o the_o becarde_n adjoin_v to_o the_o say_a parcel_n of_o land_n call_v the_o newewoderove_n lie_v in_o length_n under_o the_o bank_n divide_v the_o say_a land_n of_o the_o newewoderove_n and_o the_o say_a marsh_n so_o to_o be_v enclose_v in_o the_o becard_n so_o that_o the_o say_a prior_n and_o covent_n of_o christs-church_n nor_o their_o successor_n shall_v have_v power_n to_o claim_v any_o right_n therein_o after_o that_o time_n and_o in_o like_a sort_n the_o say_a abbot_n and_o covent_n of_o robertsbrigge_n do_v release_v unto_o the_o say_v thomas_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n and_o to_o the_o prior_n and_o covent_n of_o christs-church_n and_o their_o successor_n all_o their_o right_n and_o title_n to_o the_o residue_n of_o that_o marish_a lie_v next_o to_o the_o church_n of_o fayrefelde_n towards_o the_o east_n and_o the_o course_n of_o the_o sea_n pass_v from_o rye_n to_o apuldre_n towards_o the_o west_n and_o the_o bound_n divide_v the_o county_n of_o kent_n and_o sussex_n towards_o the_o south_n so_o that_o they_o shall_v challenge_v no_o title_n therein_o from_o thenceforth_o which_o agreement_n be_v so_o make_v by_o the_o say_a instrument_n under_o their_o public_a seal_n and_o bear_v date_n at_o canterbury_n on_o the_o xxth_o day_n of_o march_n in_o the_o year_n beforementioned_a in_o 2_o h._n 4._o thomas_n erpyngham_n than_o constable_n of_o dovor_n castle_n will._n brenchesle_n robert_n oxenbrigge_n will._n merchant_n and_o other_o have_v dorso_fw-la commission_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o those_o bank_n and_o sewer_n lie_v betwixt_o farlegh_n in_o sussex_n and_o apuldre_n in_o kent_n with_o power_n to_o act_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o marsh_n and_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n the_o next_o year_n follow_v will._n rikhill_n will_n makenade_n stephan_n betenham_n will._n bertyn_n henry_n horn_n and_o john_n proud_a have_v dorso_fw-la the_o like_a for_o those_o in_o the_o marsh_n of_o lyde_n promhull_n middele_n and_o old_a romney_n with_o direction_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o romney_n marsh_n in_o 2_o h._n 5._o sir_n john_n pelham_n knight_n richard_n norton_n thomas_n colepepir_n william_n cheyne_n and_o other_o have_v the_o like_a commission_n dorso_fw-la for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n betwixt_o the_o port_n and_o town_n of_o rye_n and_o bodyham_n bridge_n and_o to_o act_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o marsh_n and_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n in_o 5_o h._n 5._o robert_n oxenbrigge_n william_n marchaund_v john_n halle_n junior_a william_n cheyne_n and_o adam_n iwode_n have_v dorso_fw-la the_o like_a appointment_n for_o those_o betwixt_o the_o town_n of_o rye_n in_o sussex_n and_o ebbeneye_n in_o kent_n and_o to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o marsh_n and_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n of_o england_n so_o also_o in_o 7_o h._n 6._o have_v dorso_fw-la sir_n roger_n fenys_n knight_n henry_n hoorne_v robert_n oxenbrigge_n thomas_n auger_n richard_n wakeherst_n and_o other_o for_o those_o betwixt_o bodyhain_n bridge_n in_o sussex_n and_o smalhyde_v in_o kent_n with_o direction_n to_o proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o romney_n marsh_n as_o also_o to_o take_v up_o so_o many_o labourer_n upon_o competent_a wage_n as_o shall_v be_v necessary_a for_o the_o say_a work_n cap._n xix_o i_o now_o come_v to_o sussex_n alone_o sussex_n where_o the_o first_o commission_n dorso_fw-la of_o sewer_n that_o our_o record_n do_v take_v notice_n of_o be_v in_o 17_o e._n 1._o be_v direct_v to_o roger_n de_fw-fr leukenore_n and_o lucas_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr gare._n the_o next_o year_n follow_v upon_o complaint_n dorso_fw-la make_v by_o the_o abbot_n of_o bataille_n and_o bekeham_n as_o also_o by_o the_o prior_n of_o okeburne_n lewes_n and_o hastings_n together_o with_o baldwin_n de_fw-fr aldham_n and_o many_o other_o who_o have_v land_n about_o pevenesel_a marsh_n that_o whereas_o the_o king_n have_v assign_v the_o beforementioned_a roger_n de_fw-fr leuknore_n and_o lucas_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr gare_fw-la to_o take_v view_n of_o the_o bank_n and_o sea-diches_a near_o the_o say_a marsh_n and_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o safeguard_n and_o defence_n of_o all_o person_n aswell_o rich_a as_o poor_a as_o have_v land_n thereabouts_o the_o say_v lucas_n together_o with_o the_o prior_n of_o michelham_n will._n de_fw-fr donne_fw-fr etc._n etc._n not_o prosecute_n the_o say_v king_n appointment_n and_o order_n do_v begin_v to_o raise_v a_o certain_a bank_n overthwart_o the_o haven_n of_o pevenesel_n as_o also_o a_o sluse_n intend_v to_o finish_v they_o so_o that_o the_o fresh_a water_n can_v not_o pass_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n to_o the_o sea_n by_o the_o same_o haven_n to_o the_o great_a peril_n of_o all_o person_n there_o dwell_v and_o apparent_a drown_n of_o their_o land_n by_o the_o frequent_a overflow_a of_o the_o say_v fresh_a water_n for_o remedy_n thereof_o the_o king_n therefore_o by_o his_o letter_n dorso_fw-la patent_n date_v at_o westminster_n 15_o julii_fw-la in_o the_o 18_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n constitute_v john_n de_fw-fr lascy_n and_o will._n de_fw-fr echingham_n his_o justice_n to_o make_v enquiry_n by_o the_o oath_n of_o honest_a and_o faithful_a man_n touch_v the_o same_o and_o then_o to_o do_v therein_o according_a to_o their_o discretion_n in_o 23_o e._n 1._o will._n de_fw-fr stoke_n be_v associate_v dorso_fw-la to_o the_o beforementioned_a roger_n and_o lucas_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o county_n in_o 31_o e._n 1._o the_o king_n be_v inform_v 2._o that_o the_o bank_n and_o ditch_n which_o have_v be_v make_v in_o the_o marsh_n of_o wynchelse_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o land_n there_o and_o preservation_n of_o the_o adjacent_a part_n be_v then_o so_o break_v by_o the_o overflow_a of_o the_o sea_n that_o the_o say_v land_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v drown_v and_o lose_v and_o that_o his_o tenant_n of_o those_o land_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o certain_a ancient_a composition_n make_v betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o tenant_n of_o other_o land_n in_o that_o marsh_n which_o be_v that_o the_o say_v king_n land_n shall_v be_v defend_v in_o such_o reparation_n by_o the_o other_o landholders_n there_o refuse_v to_o contribute_v to_o the_o repair_n of_o those_o bank_n and_o ditch_n and_o be_v
king_n high_a way_n betwixt_o taunton_n and_o bathepole_n brigge_n be_v spoil_v by_o the_o reflow_a of_o the_o say_a water_n and_o that_o the_o boat_n which_o have_v wont_a to_o have_v their_o passage_n with_o merchandise_n from_o briggewater_n to_o taunton_n be_v hinder_v etc._n etc._n the_o say_a abbot_n answer_v that_o the_o say_v richard_n de_fw-fr atton_n be_v seize_v of_o the_o say_a mill_n and_o those_o other_o land_n and_o hold_v they_o of_o the_o abbot_n of_o glastonbury_n his_o predecessor_n as_o of_o his_o manor_n of_o monketon_n and_o in_o right_a of_o his_o church_n of_o glastonbury_n and_o that_o he_o the_o say_v richard_n and_o all_o they_o who_o estate_n he_o then_o have_v in_o those_o mill_n land_n etc._n etc._n have_v hold_v they_o of_o the_o predecessor_n of_o he_o the_o say_a abbot_n by_o certain_a service_n time_n out_o of_o mind_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o say_a mill_n be_v grow_v old_a and_o ruinous_a he_o the_o say_v richard_n do_v new_o build_v they_o and_o make_v they_o of_o the_o same_o height_n breadth_n and_o depth_n as_o they_o be_v before_o he_o so_o pull_v they_o down_o and_o that_o this_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o prove_v which_o say_v mill_n with_o the_o land_n and_o tenement_n aforesaid_a the_o say_a richard_n by_o the_o king_n licence_n then_o and_o there_o exhibit_v give_v to_o one_o walter_n abbot_n of_o glastonbury_n the_o precede_a abbot_n to_o hold_v to_o he_o and_o his_o successor_n for_o ever_o and_o so_o say_v that_o the_o then_o abbot_n hold_v those_o mill_n in_o form_n aforesaid_a without_o that_o that_o they_o be_v build_v high_a in_o any_o sort_n other_o than_o be_v before_o allege_v and_o that_o this_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o prove_v and_o he_o say_v that_o before_o those_o mill_n be_v so_o new_o build_v by_o the_o say_v richard_n the_o fresh_a water_n descend_v into_o the_o say_a channel_n in_o great_a flood_n do_v overflow_v the_o meadow_n and_o pasture_n adjoin_v and_o also_o the_o before-specified_n roadway_n betwixt_o taunton_n and_o bridgwater_n so_o that_o the_o overflow_a of_o those_o ground_n and_o prejudice_n to_o the_o same_o way_n be_v not_o at_o all_o worse_o after_o the_o say_v new_a build_n of_o those_o mill_n than_o it_o have_v be_v before_o and_o that_o this_o he_o be_v likewise_o ready_a to_o prove_v and_o the_o say_a abbot_n far_o answer_v that_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o repair_v the_o say_a king_n high_a way_n so_o spoil_v as_o by_o the_o beforementioned_a presentment_n be_v suppose_v in_o regard_n that_o neither_o he_o nor_o any_o of_o his_o predecessor_n nor_o any_o one_o who_o estate_n he_o have_v in_o any_o of_o the_o land_n and_o tenement_n aforesaid_a he_o use_v to_o perform_v such_o repair_n in_o those_o way_n time_n out_o of_o mind_n and_o that_o this_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o prove_v and_o he_o say_v moreover_o that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a place_n below_z the_o say_v mill_n call_v bathepole_n cross_n whereunto_o all_o the_o boat_n come_v from_o briggewater_n towards_o taunton_n by_o the_o same_o water_n and_o not_o above_o nor_o far_o in_o the_o say_a river_n of_o tone_n aught_o of_o ancient_a time_n to_o go_v up_o or_o pass_v or_o can_v so_o do_v but_o have_v use_v to_o be_v unload_v there_o and_o this_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o prove_v and_o he_o likewise_o say_v that_o one_o walter_n late_a abbot_n of_o glastonbury_n his_o predecessor_n than_o tenant_n of_o those_o mill_n within_o eighteen_o year_n before_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a will_n and_o not_o of_o right_a make_v a_o certain_a chest_n of_o board_n for_o the_o ease_n of_o the_o then_o bishop_n of_o winchester_n lord_n of_o taunton_n and_o put_v it_o into_o the_o pool_n of_o those_o mill_n by_o which_o chest_n the_o boat_n in_o time_n of_o flood_n may_v be_v draw_v up_o into_o the_o say_a pool_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o boat_n be_v draw_v by_o that_o chest_n sometime_o get_v up_o to_o the_o say_v bishop_n mill_n call_v tobrigge_n mill_n without_o that_o that_o the_o say_v boat_n do_v use_v to_o pass_v up_o towards_o taunton_n in_o the_o same_o river_n of_o tone_n any_o far_a than_o the_o place_n call_v bathepole_a cross_n time_n out_o of_o mind_n and_o without_o that_o that_o the_o fish_n in_o the_o say_a river_n be_v more_o hinder_v in_o their_o passage_n towards_o taunton_n than_o they_o have_v wont_a to_o be_v before_o the_o new_a build_n of_o the_o say_a mill_n and_o as_o to_o the_o presentment_n of_o certain_a ground_n in_o monketon_n appropriate_v to_o the_o before-specified_n abbot_n by_o the_o plant_n of_o willow_n and_o other_o tree_n thereon_o by_o his_o servant_n and_o tenant_n the_o say_v servant_n and_o tenant_n affirm_v that_o the_o say_a nuisance_n be_v amend_v and_o total_o remove_v and_o that_o this_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o prove_v and_o the_o say_a abbot_n likewise_o answer_v that_o as_o to_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o appropriate_v the_o soil_n in_o monketon_n aforesaid_a he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o guilty_a and_o that_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o prove_v it_o and_o because_o his_o servant_n and_o tenant_n do_v not_o deny_v that_o the_o say_a nuisance_n be_v not_o remove_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o say_a presentment_n they_o be_v therefore_o amerce_v in_o half_a a_o mark._n all_o which_o thing_n they_o the_o say_v abbot_n with_o his_o servant_n &_o tenant_n be_v ready_a to_o prove_v they_o require_v judgement_n there_o in_o whereupon_o a_o jury_n be_v summon_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o say_a justice_n on_o thursday_n in_o easter_n week_n and_o there_o swear_v do_v say_v that_o the_o say_a bank_n call_v southlake_n wall_n be_v in_o othery_n which_o be_v parcel_n of_o the_o say_v abbot_n manor_n of_o sowy_a and_o not_o in_o weston_n and_o so_o be_v and_o have_v be_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n as_o the_o same_o abbot_n have_v before_o plead_v and_o they_o say_v that_o there_o never_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v any_o sewer_n gutter_n trench_n or_o ditch_n in_o the_o say_a bank_n and_o that_o no_o rune_n be_v stop_v by_o the_o say_a bank_n as_o he_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o his_o tenant_n have_v also_o plead_v and_o as_o to_o the_o two_o wear_v call_v tap_a wear_v in_o the_o river_n of_o peret_n they_o say_v that_o the_o say_a abbot_n hold_v the_o manor_n of_o sowy_a as_o parcel_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o that_o monastery_n and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o floudgate_n call_v tap_a be_v in_o the_o same_o river_n which_o be_v parcel_n of_o the_o say_a manor_n and_o have_v be_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n and_o that_o the_o watercourse_n there_o be_v not_o otherwise_o stop_v than_o it_o have_v be_v from_o the_o say_a time_n as_o he_o have_v former_o plead_v and_o allege_v and_o as_o to_o the_o presentment_n of_o those_o mill_n call_v bathepole_n mill_n they_o say_v that_o they_o be_v old_a and_o ruinous_a and_o new_o build_v by_o the_o before-specified_n richard_n after_o the_o great_a plague_n and_o of_o the_o same_o height_n and_o depth_n as_o they_o have_v be_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n and_o not_o otherwise_o so_o that_o neither_o the_o land_n meadow_n and_o pasture_n beforementioned_a nor_o the_o high_a way_n betwixt_o taunton_n and_o bridgewater_n in_o bathepole_n be_v drown_v or_o prejudice_v by_o the_o say_v new_a build_n of_o they_o in_o any_o other_o manner_n than_o as_o they_o have_v use_v to_o be_v in_o great_a flood_n and_o time_n out_o of_o mind_n as_o the_o say_a abbot_n have_v also_o plead_v and_o allege_v and_o as_o to_o the_o presentment_n concern_v the_o passage_n of_o boat_n and_o fish_n from_o bridgwater_n to_o taunton_n they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o place_n call_v bathepole_n cross_n on_o the_o low_a side_n of_o those_o mill_n and_o that_o there_o all_o the_o boat_n come_v from_o briggewater_n towards_o taunton_n have_v use_v to_o be_v unload_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n and_o that_o they_o neither_o can_v nor_o ought_v of_o right_a to_o go_v far_o and_o likewise_o that_o the_o say_a chest_n for_o the_o draw_v up_o of_o boat_n near_o to_o the_o say_a mill_n be_v make_v by_o the_o say_v walter_n late_a abbot_n of_o glastonbâ—ry_n predecessor_n of_o the_o then_o abbot_n about_o xuj_o year_n before_o voluntary_o and_o not_o of_o any_o right_n for_o the_o ease_n of_o the_o say_a bishop_n of_o uuinchester_n lord_n of_o taunton_n to_o draw_v his_o boat_n to_o tobrigge_n mill_n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o fish_n be_v not_o at_o all_o hinder_v to_o swim_v in_o that_o river_n any_o otherwise_o than_o what_o they_o have_v be_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n as_o the_o say_a abbot_n do_v before_o plead_v and_o allege_v and_o as_o to_o the_o course_n of_o the_o water_n call_v wythrune_v which_o be_v stop_v they_o say_v that_o the_o before-specified_n nuisance_n
the_o shireeuâ—_n of_o this_o county_n wherein_o he_o recite_v that_o whereas_o sir_n robert_n bealknap_n knight_n and_o john_n lucy_n late_o constitute_v his_o justice_n of_o sewer_n for_o the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n on_o the_o coast_n of_o severne_n and_o the_o part_n adjoin_v do_v ordain_v and_o appoint_v that_o the_o breach_n make_v by_o the_o man_n of_o aylberton_n in_o a_o certain_a causey_n divide_v the_o field_n of_o luttelton_n and_o aylberton_n shall_v be_v repair_v and_o make_v good_a in_o as_o perfect_v a_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v before_o and_o that_o for_o the_o drayn_n of_o the_o water_n out_o of_o the_o town_n and_o field_n aforesaid_a a_o certain_a ditch_n which_o extend_v itself_o from_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o say_a causey_n from_o the_o town_n of_o aylberton_n unto_o severne_n shall_v be_v competent_o amend_v in_o such_o place_n where_o need_v require_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o those_o who_o have_v estate_n in_o the_o land_n and_o tenement_n adjoin_v that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o those_o who_o have_v use_v to_o make_v and_o repair_v they_o and_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v as_o often_o as_o need_v require_v and_o moreover_o that_o six_o sufficient_a man_n have_v land_n in_o those_o part_n and_o also_o one_o bailiff_n shall_v be_v choose_v and_o swear_v to_o view_v as_o often_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a all_o the_o say_a ditch_n from_o the_o one_o end_n thereof_o to_o the_o other_o and_o to_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v amend_v and_o repair_v from_o time_n to_o time_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o say_a ordinance_n and_o decree_n and_o that_o a_o certain_a sluse_n ancient_o set_v in_o the_o say_a ditch_n at_o the_o common_a charge_n of_o all_o those_o who_o have_v benefit_n by_o the_o drayn_n of_o those_o water_n which_o do_v descend_v thereby_o shall_v be_v competent_o maintain_v by_o the_o view_n of_o the_o say_v six_o man_n and_o the_o bailiff_n before-specified_n and_o that_o certain_a man_n of_o those_o part_n specify_v in_o the_o say_a process_n ought_v several_o to_o scour_v and_o cleanse_v some_o perch_n of_o the_o say_a ditch_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v distrain_v thereto_o by_o the_o say_v six_o man_n and_o the_o bailiff_n as_o often_o as_o occasion_v require_v as_o by_o the_o record_n and_o process_n thereof_o have_v on_o that_o behalf_n and_o by_o the_o say_v king_n letter_n patent_n exemplify_v under_o his_o great_a seal_n more_o plain_o may_v appear_v and_o forasmuch_o as_o at_o that_o time_n upon_o the_o relation_n of_o divers_a of_o the_o say_v king_n faithful_a subject_n he_o be_v inform_v that_o through_o the_o neglect_n in_o observe_v the_o say_a ordinance_n and_o decree_n much_o loss_n have_v happen_v to_o divers_a of_o his_o loyal_a subject_n and_o other_o reside_v in_o those_o part_n and_o many_o worse_o in_o process_n of_o time_n be_v like_a to_o fall_v out_o except_o a_o more_o speedy_a remedy_n be_v use_v therein_o the_o say_a king_n for_o prevention_n thereof_o command_v the_o say_a shireeve_n to_o view_v the_o exemplification_n of_o that_o record_n and_o process_n and_o call_v before_o he_o those_o six_o man_n and_o the_o bailiff_n and_o full_o declare_v the_o premise_n unto_o they_o to_o warn_v and_o distrain_v they_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o do_v belong_v to_o they_o therein_o in_o 11_o h_n 4._o sir_n gilbert_n denys_n knight_n robert_n poynns_n john_n grevill_n john_n giffard_n john_n russell_n will._n godefelawe_n gilbert_n gylberd_n and_o will._n merbury_n be_v assign_v dorso_o to_o view_v and_o take_v order_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o all_o those_o bank_n etc._n etc._n betwixt_o gloucester_n and_o bristol_n which_o be_v then_o break_v by_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o tide_n and_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o the_o custom_n use_v in_o those_o place_n as_o also_o to_o take_v so_o many_o labourer_n upon_o competent_a wage_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a necessity_n as_o shall_v be_v needful_a for_o that_o work_n and_o in_o 1_o h._n 5._o robert_n poyntz_n alexander_n clevedone_n thomas_n mille_n john_n derhurst_n robert_n stanshawe_n and_o nich._n alderlegh_n be_v appoint_v dorso_o to_o view_v and_o repair_v all_o those_o bank_n etc._n etc._n in_o salt_n marsh_n betwixt_o olston_n and_o hembury_n and_o to_o act_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o marsh._n cap._n xxii_o from_o gloucestershire_n i_o must_v make_v a_o large_a step_n the_o more_o western_a part_n of_o this_o realm_n afford_v no_o considerable_a marsh_n nor_o the_o north_n west_n near_o than_o yorkshire_n but_o that_o country_n be_v well_o store_v with_o such_o fenny_a ground_n especial_o near_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n darwent_n aire_n do_v crent_n and_o humber_n some_o part_n whereof_o do_v lie_v in_o the_o east_n ride_v but_o the_o great_a proportion_n in_o the_o west_n ride_v of_o that_o county_n for_o in_o that_o flat_a about_o hoveden_n and_o border_v upon_o it_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v 58._o that_o there_o be_v no_o less_o than_o fifty_o eight_o village_n and_o that_o it_o have_v heretofore_o be_v vulgar_o call_v 58._o wauling_a fen_n though_o now_o as_o i_o think_v dikes_n marsh_n and_o hatfield_n level_v be_v the_o most_o note_a name_n whereby_o it_o be_v common_o know_v pursue_v therefore_o my_o accustom_a method_n in_o discourse_v of_o the_o improvement_n here_o likewise_o make_v by_o bank_v and_o drayn_v i_o shall_v observe_v that_o the_o first_o commission_n dorso_fw-la for_o that_o purpose_n wherewith_o i_o have_v meet_v be_v in_o 23_o e._n 1._o and_o direct_v to_o h._n de_fw-fr cressingham_n and_o i._o de_fw-fr lithgreines_n who_o upon_o complaint_n make_v to_o the_o king_n by_o walter_n de_fw-fr langeton_n than_o master_n of_o the_o hospital_n of_o s._n leonard_n at_o york_n that_o divers_a person_n have_v land_n lie_v near_o the_o river_n ouse_n betwixt_o the_o town_n of_o houke_n and_o redness_n who_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o their_o say_a land_n aught_o to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v certain_a bank_n and_o sewer_n upon_o the_o border_n of_o that_o stream_n for_o the_o secure_n of_o they_o from_o inundation_n as_o they_o and_o their_o ancestor_n in_o time_n past_a have_v do_v do_v neglect_n so_o to_o do_v whereby_o great_a loss_n accrue_v to_o many_o other_o land-holders_n in_o those_o part_n the_o say_a king_n assign_v they_o the_o say_v hugh_n and_o john_n to_o inquire_v the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o to_o take_v such_o course_n for_o the_o redress_n of_o the_o same_o as_o shall_v be_v consonant_a to_o the_o law_n and_o customeâ—_n of_o this_o realm_n the_o like_a commission_n dorso_fw-la have_v the_o say_a hugh_n and_o john_n touch_v the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n ditch_n etc._n etc._n upon_o the_o same_o river_n of_o ouse_n from_o cawode_n to_o faxflete_a on_o both_o side_n the_o water_n so_o also_o in_o 27_o e._n 1._o have_v thomas_n de_fw-fr burnham_n and_o gerard_n salveyne_n for_o the_o same_o bank_n etc._n etc._n betwixt_o cawode_n and_o faxflete_n in_o 28_o e._n 1._o upon_o information_n dorso_fw-la make_v by_o the_o land-holders_n of_o brunkestet_fw-la and_o faxflet_n that_o one_o peter_n betard_n and_o the_o townsman_n of_o beleby_n have_v divert_v the_o stream_n of_o beleby_n wathe_fw-mi out_o of_o its_o ancient_a channel_n into_o the_o watercourse_n of_o fulnathe_n and_o likewise_o that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o estringtone_n and_o portingtone_n have_v turn_v the_o course_n of_o those_o such_o water_n as_o pass_v near_o those_o town_n by_o several_a trench_n so_o various_o that_o upon_o any_o great_a rain_n they_o drown_v the_o great_a â—art_n of_o the_o land_n adjacent_a so_o that_o neither_o passenger_n can_v travel_v in_o the_o common_a road_n betwixt_o beleby_n and_o pokelington_n nor_o the_o say_a man_n of_o brunkeflet_n and_o faxflet_n till_o and_o sow_v their_o low_a ground_n or_o dig_v turf_n in_o the_o moor_n of_o walingfen_n or_o depasture_n their_o cattle_n in_o the_o part_n thereabouts_o the_o king_n therefore_o assign_v the_o beforementioned_a john_n de_fw-fr lythegreyn_n and_o robert_n de_fw-fr boulton_n to_o view_v those_o place_n and_o to_o redress_v the_o say_a nuisance_n several_a other_o commission_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n ditch_n and_o sewer_n in_o those_o part_n be_v afterward_o issue_v viz._n in_o 32_o e._n 1._o to_o dorso_o thomas_n de_fw-fr burnham_n william_n de_fw-fr hake_n and_o thomas_n de_fw-fr fisheburne_n concern_v those_o upon_o ouse_n betwixt_o cawode_n and_o brungflete_n in_o 2_o e._n 2._o to_o cedulae_fw-la alexander_n de_fw-fr cave_n and_o geffrey_n de_fw-fr hothum_n for_o those_o upon_o the_o verge_n of_o humber_n and_o ouse_n betwixt_o ellerker_n and_o barneby_n near_o hoveden_n in_o 4_o e._n 2._o to_o dorso_fw-la will._n de_fw-fr huke_z gerard_n salveyn_n and_o john_n
in_o the_o wapentake_v of_o mauley_n and_o coryngham_n and_o in_o the_o soak_v of_o kirketone_n in_o the_o say_a county_n of_o lincoln_n and_o in_o the_o soak_v or_o hundred_o of_o basâ—tlawe_n in_o this_o county_n and_o to_o make_v statute_n and_o ordinance_n therein_o consonant_n to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n and_o to_o do_v all_o other_o thing_n touch_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o the_o say_a custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n as_o also_o to_o impress_v so_o many_o labourer_n upon_o competent_a wage_n to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o say_a work_n as_o shall_v be_v needful_a consider_v the_o great_a and_o urgent_a necessity_n for_o the_o speedy_a accomplishment_n thereof_o the_o like_a commission_n dorso_fw-la in_o 14_o e._n 4._o have_v thomas_n bishop_n of_o lincoln_n will._n lord_n hastyng_n sir_n john_n scrope_n of_o bolton_n knight_n sir_n robert_n markham_n knight_n john_n stanhope_n gervase_n clifton_n robert_n willughby_n thomas_n molineux_n thomas_n nevil_n and_o john_n metheley_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n and_o sewersâ—_n from_o broughton-sulny_a unto_o the_o river_n of_o devene_n in_o this_o county_n and_o from_o feldyke_n in_o bingham_n unto_o the_o say_a river_n of_o devene_n as_o also_o by_o and_o about_o the_o same_o river_n from_o the_o county_n of_o leicester_n beyond_o kilvyngton_n unto_o the_o river_n of_o trent_n in_o this_o county_n and_o to_o proceed_v therein_o as_o abovesaid_a so_o also_o in_o 22_o e._n 4._o have_v dorso_fw-la the_o same_o archbishop_n and_o most_o of_o the_o beforementioned_a person_n but_o far_o touch_v the_o fen_n in_o this_o county_n i_o have_v not_o see_v other_o than_o what_o a_o law_n pettibag_n of_o sewer_n make_v at_o stockwith_n 14_o aug._n 5_o caroli_n mention_v which_o be_v that_o whereas_o john_n lyens_n and_o other_o dutch_a man_n have_v undertake_v to_o the_o king_n and_o his_o privy_a council_n to_o drain_v the_o car_n and_o marsh_n in_o the_o lordship_n of_o hatfield_n in_o the_o county_n of_o york_n axholme_n in_o the_o county_n of_o lincoln_n and_o other_o great_a car_n in_o this_o county_n of_o nottingham_n and_o have_v make_v divers_a great_a river_n and_o drayn_n to_o that_o purpose_n it_o be_v decree_v that_o for_o the_o better_a convey_v away_o of_o the_o water_n one_o sluice_n shall_v be_v erect_v on_o bikersdyke_n within_o the_o parish_n of_o misterton_n at_o a_o place_n lie_v over_o the_o bridge_n call_v bleesford_n bridge_n and_o to_o make_v a_o cut_n over_o the_o common_a ground_n call_v bleesford_n to_o mifterton_n firm_a ground_n and_o that_o whereas_o the_o say_v john_n and_o his_o participant_n become_v undertaker_n for_o the_o drayn_n of_o certain_a carr_n ground_n in_o everton_n in_o this_o county_n of_o nottingham_n in_o consideration_n thereof_o they_o be_v to_o have_v to_o they_o and_o their_o heir_n and_o assign_n for_o ever_o five_o hundred_o acre_n of_o land_n lay_v out_o from_o everton_n enclosure_n all_o along_o by_o gryngeley_n bank_n side_n unto_o the_o tofte_n carr_n bank_n or_o new_a bank_n to_o be_v set_v out_o by_o surveyor_n choose_v on_o each_o part_n cap._n xxvii_o be_v now_o come_v into_o lincolnshire_n i_o shall_v first_o begin_v with_o the_o isle_n of_o arholme_n which_o for_o many_o age_n have_v be_v a_o fenny_a tract_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n cover_v with_o water_n but_o more_o ancient_o not_o so_o for_o original_o it_o be_v a_o woody_a country_n and_o not_o at_o all_o annoy_v with_o those_o inundation_n of_o the_o river_n that_o pass_v through_o it_o as_o be_v most_o evident_a by_o the_o great_a number_n of_o oak_n fir_n and_o other_o tree_n which_o have_v be_v of_o late_a frequent_o find_v in_o the_o moor_n upon_o make_v of_o sundry_a ditch_n and_o channel_n for_o the_o drayn_n thereof_o the_o oak_n tree_n lie_v somewhat_o above_o three_o foot_n in_o depth_n and_o near_o their_o root_n which_o do_v still_o stand_v as_o they_o grow_v viz._n in_o firm_a earth_n below_o the_o moor_n and_o the_o body_n for_o the_o most_o part_n north_n west_n from_o the_o root_n not_o cut_v down_o with_o axe_n but_o burn_v asunder_o somewhat_o near_o the_o ground_n as_o the_o end_n of_o they_o be_v coal_v do_v manifest_a of_o which_o sort_n there_o be_v multitude_n and_o of_o a_o extraordinary_a bigness_n viz._n five_o yard_n in_o compass_n and_o sixteen_o yard_n long_o and_o some_o small_a of_o a_o great_a length_n with_o good_a quantity_n of_o acorn_n near_o they_o and_o of_o small_a nut_n so_o many_o that_o there_o have_v be_v find_v no_o less_o than_o two_o peck_v together_o in_o some_o place_n but_o the_o fir_n tree_n do_v lie_v a_o foot_n or_o eighteen_o inch_n deep_o of_o which_o kind_n there_o be_v more_o than_o of_o any_o other_o many_o of_o they_o be_v above_o thirty_o yard_n in_o length_n nay_o in_o the_o year_n 1653._o there_o be_v a_o fir_n pole_n take_v up_o by_o one_o robert_n browne_n of_o haxey_n of_o xxxvi_o yard_n long_a beside_o the_o top_n lie_v near_o the_o root_n which_o stand_v likewise_o as_o it_o grow_v have_v be_v burn_v and_o not_o hew_v down_o which_o tree_n bear_v at_o the_o bottom_n ten_o inch_n square_a and_o at_o the_o top_n eight_o about_o xx_o year_n since_o also_o in_o the_o moor_n at_o thurne_n near_o five_o foot_n in_o depth_n be_v sound_v a_o ladder_n of_o fir_n of_o a_o large_a substance_n with_o about_o xl_o staff_n which_o be_v thirty_o three_o inch_n asunder_o but_o so_o rot_v that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v get_v up_o whole_a and_o in_o haxey_n carr_n at_o the_o like_a depth_n a_o hedge_n with_o stake_n and_o binding_n the_o truth_n be_v that_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o tree_n thus_o overgrow_v with_o the_o moor_n through_o a_o long_a time_n of_o stagnation_n by_o the_o fresh_a water_n in_o these_o part_n that_o the_o inhabitant_n have_v for_o the_o space_n of_o divers_a year_n last_o pass_v take_v up_o at_o least_o two_o thousand_o cart_n load_v in_o a_o yâ—ar_n as_o to_o the_o time_n when_o this_o woody_a level_n which_o extend_v itself_o into_o dikes_n mersh_fw-mi and_o hatfield_n chase_n in_o yorkshire_n become_v first_o thus_o overflow_v i_o can_v say_v nothing_o there_o be_v not_o any_o memorial_n thereof_o transmit_v to_o we_o from_o the_o light_n of_o history_n or_o record_n but_o that_o it_o have_v be_v so_o for_o divers_a hundred_o of_o year_n the_o depth_n of_o the_o moor_n do_v sufficient_o manifest_a which_o can_v not_o in_o a_o few_o age_n grow_v to_o that_o thickness_n it_o be_v of_o howbeit_o as_o to_o the_o occasion_n thereof_o i_o may_v rational_o conclude_v it_o to_o have_v be_v through_o the_o muddinesse_n of_o the_o constant_a tide_n which_o flow_v up_o humbre_v into_o trent_n do_v in_o time_n leave_v so_o much_o silt_v to_o obstruct_v the_o current_n of_o idle_a do_v and_o other_o river_n that_o have_v not_o their_o free_a passage_n as_o former_o they_o flow_v back_o and_o overwhelm_v that_o flat_a country_n with_o water_n insomuch_o as_o the_o high_a ground_n become_v a_o island_n as_o it_o be_v still_o we_o see_v call_v and_o a_o place_n so_o defencible_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o spaciousness_n and_o depth_n of_o the_o water_n environ_v it_o that_o roger_n lord_n mowbray_n a_o eminent_a baron_n of_o this_o realm_n in_o k._n henry_n the_o second_o be_v time_n and_o then_o lord_n thereof_o adhere_v to_o young_a henry_n upon_o his_o rebellion_n in_o those_o day_n repair_v hither_o and_o fortify_v a_o old_a castle_n which_o have_v be_v 1174._o long_o ruinous_a for_o reduce_v whereof_o to_o the_o king_n obedience_n the_o lincolnshire_n man_n have_v no_o other_o access_n thereto_o transport_v themselves_o by_o ship_v in_o the_o year_n 1174_o 20_o h._n 2._o so_o likewise_o in_o 50_o h._n 3._o after_o the_o battle_n of_o evesham_n wherein_o the_o rebellious_a baron_n be_v discomfit_v some_o of_o they_o flee_v similiter_n hither_o as_o to_o a_o place_n of_o security_n for_o the_o reason_n above_o express_v but_o after_o that_o time_n it_o be_v not_o long_o ere_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o these_o part_n imitate_v the_o good_a husbandry_n of_o those_o in_o other_o country_n who_o have_v by_o bank_v and_o drayn_v make_v good_a improvement_n in_o such_o fenny_a place_n do_v begin_v to_o do_v the_o like_a here_o for_o in_o 1_o e._n 3._o i_o find_v that_o robert_n de_fw-fr nottingham_n and_o roger_n de_fw-fr newmarch_n be_v constitute_v commissioner_n dorso_fw-la to_o view_v and_o repair_v those_o bank_n and_o ditch_n as_o have_v be_v make_v to_o that_o purpose_n which_o be_v then_o grow_v to_o some_o decay_n so_o also_o be_v dorso_fw-la john_n darcy_n of_o the_o park_n roger_n de_fw-fr newmarch_n and_o john_n de_fw-fr crosholme_n several_a other_o commission_n there_o be_v
of_o idel_n to_o trent_n bank_n man_n row_v also_o with_o lesser_a boat_n to_o look_v swan_n over_o all_o part_n of_o it_o betwixt_o lammas_n and_o michaelmas_n and_o in_o like_a sort_n over_o star_n carr_n and_o axholme_n carr_n insomuch_o as_o there_o be_v no_o less_o than_o sixty_o thousand_o acre_n of_o land_n thus_o overflow_v by_o the_o say_v fresh_a water_n the_o say_a king_n therefore_o be_v seize_v of_o this_o island_n and_o of_o divers_a land_n and_o waste_a ground_n belong_v to_o the_o same_o as_o also_o of_o and_o in_o the_o chase_n call_v hatfield_n chase_n with_o dikes_n mersh_fw-mi together_o with_o the_o lordship_n of_o wroote_n and_o finningley_n in_o the_o county_n of_o york_n all_o lie_v upon_o the_o same_o flat_a out_o of_o his_o royal_a and_o princely_a care_n for_o the_o public_a good_a in_o regain_n so_o great_a a_o proportion_n of_o surround_v land_n which_o at_o the_o best_a yield_v little_a or_o no_o profit_n to_o the_o common_a wealth_n but_o contrariwise_o nourish_v beggar_n and_o idle_a person_n and_o have_v a_o chase_n of_o red_a deer_n through_o a_o good_a part_n of_o this_o fen_n which_o much_o annoy_v and_o oppress_v the_o residue_n resolve_v by_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o counsel_n partly_o for_o the_o ease_n of_o his_o charge_n and_o increase_v of_o his_o revenue_n and_o partly_o for_o the_o improvement_n and_o reduce_v of_o so_o great_a a_o quantity_n of_o drown_a and_o boggy_a ground_n to_o be_v make_v good_a meadow_n arable_a and_o pasture_n for_o the_o general_a good_a do_v under_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o england_n contract_n with_o cornelius_n vermuden_n 1626._o then_o of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n esquire_n by_o article_n bear_v date_n the_o twenty_o four_o day_n of_o may_n in_o the_o second_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n the_o substance_n whereof_o be_v as_o follow_v first_o that_o the_o say_v cornelius_n shall_v at_o his_o own_o charge_n drain_v and_o lay_v the_o same_o dry_a begin_v the_o work_n within_o three_o month_n after_o the_o say_a king_n shall_v have_v agree_v with_o those_o person_n that_o have_v interest_n of_o common_a therein_o and_o finish_v it_o with_o all_o possible_a expedition_n that_o he_o the_o say_v cornelius_n in_o consideration_n thereof_o shall_v have_v to_o he_o and_o his_o heir_n for_o ever_o one_o full_a three_o part_n of_o the_o say_v surround_v ground_n to_o hold_v of_o the_o say_a king_n his_o heir_n and_o successor_n as_o of_o his_o manor_n of_o east_n geenwiche_n in_o free_a and_o common_a socage_n that_o he_o the_o say_v cornelius_n shall_v pay_v and_o satisfy_v to_o the_o owner_n of_o all_o land_n lie_v within_o the_o same_o level_n and_o so_o surround_v such_o sum_n of_o money_n as_o the_o say_a land_n shall_v be_v think_v worth_n by_o four_o commissioner_n whereof_o two_o to_o be_v name_v by_o the_o lord_n treasurer_n of_o england_n for_o the_o time_n be_v and_o the_o other_o two_o by_o he_o the_o say_v cornelius_n that_o the_o work_n be_v finish_v there_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o better_a preservation_n thereof_o a_o corporation_n make_v to_o make_v act_n and_o ordinance_n to_o that_o end_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v consist_v of_o such_o person_n as_o he_o the_o say_v cornelius_n and_o his_o heir_n do_v nominate_v that_o within_o three_o year_n after_o they_o shall_v be_v finish_v six_o commissioner_n to_o be_v appoint_v viz._n three_o by_o the_o lord_n treasurer_n of_o england_n for_o the_o time_n be_v and_o three_o by_o the_o same_o cornelius_n his_o heir_n etc._n etc._n to_o view_v they_o and_o estimate_n what_o the_o future_a yearly_a charge_n may_v amount_v unto_o for_o the_o perpetual_a maintain_n of_o they_o whereupon_o the_o say_v cornelius_n to_o convey_v and_o assure_v the_o inheritance_n of_o land_n to_o such_o a_o value_n as_o may_v be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o support_v that_o charge_n and_o that_o whereas_o divers_a do_v claim_v common_a of_o pasture_n in_o sundry_a of_o the_o say_a ground_n it_o be_v agree_v that_o the_o king_n shall_v issue_v out_o his_o commission_n under_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o england_n to_o certain_a person_n to_o treat_v and_o conclude_v with_o those_o commoner_n by_o way_n of_o composition_n in_o land_n or_o money_n concern_v the_o same_o whereupon_o commission_n be_v according_o direct_v 1656._o to_o several_a gentleman_n of_o those_o county_n to_o treat_v and_o agree_v with_o all_o such_o as_o pretend_v right_a of_o common_a within_o any_o of_o the_o manor_n abovementioned_a which_o take_v effect_n with_o each_o of_o they_o except_o those_o of_o the_o manor_n of_o epworth_n in_o this_o isle_n but_o sir_n robert_n heath_n be_v the_o then_o attorney_n general_n exhibit_v a_o information_n in_o the_o exchequer_n chamber_n against_o they_o three_o hundred_o and_o seventy_o who_o be_v all_o that_o at_o that_o time_n can_v be_v discover_v to_o have_v right_a of_o common_a there_o come_v and_o submit_v to_o such_o a_o award_n as_o sir_n john_n bank_n the_o then_o attorney_n general_a shall_v make_v therein_o who_o upon_o several_a hear_n of_o all_o party_n and_o their_o council_n make_v this_o award_n viz._n that_o of_o thirteen_o thousand_o and_o four_o hundred_o acre_n belong_v to_o that_o manor_n which_o be_v then_o to_o be_v drayn_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o level_n six_o thousand_o acre_n shall_v be_v allot_v to_o the_o commoner_n as_o their_o part_n or_o portion_n lie_v next_o to_o the_o town_n and_o so_o preserve_v for_o ever_o at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o say_v cornelius_n vermuyden_n and_o the_o remain_v seven_o thousand_o and_o four_o hundred_o acre_n to_o be_v set_v out_o in_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o those_o waste_n to_o sir_n c._n vermuyden_n and_o his_o participant_n for_o their_o three_o part_n and_o for_o the_o say_v late_a king_n part_n in_o right_a of_o his_o interest_n as_o lord_n of_o the_o soil_n which_o by_o consent_n be_v decree_v in_o the_o exchequer_n chamber_n and_o possession_n thereupon_o establish_v with_o the_o say_v cornelius_n vermuyden_n and_o his_o participant_n and_o to_o their_o assign_v the_o agreement_n be_v therefore_o thus_o make_v this_o great_a work_n be_v according_o begin_v and_o have_v so_o successful_a a_o progress_n that_o with_o the_o charge_n of_o fifty_o five_o thousand_o eight_o hundred_o twenty_o five_o pound_n or_o thereabouts_o it_o become_v full_o finish_v within_o the_o space_n of_o five_o year_n the_o water_n which_o usual_o overflow_v the_o whole_a level_n be_v convey_v into_o the_o river_n of_o trent_n through_o snow_n sewer_n and_o althorpe_n river_n by_o a_o sluse_n which_o issue_v out_o the_o drayned_a water_n at_o every_o ebb_n and_o keep_v back_o the_o tide_n upon_o all_o come_n in_o thereof_o and_o now_o that_o the_o world_n may_v see_v what_o a_o advantage_n accrue_v to_o the_o public_a by_o this_o noble_a though_o chardgable_a work_n i_o shall_v here_o from_o the_o before-specified_n deposition_n observe_v first_o that_o since_o the_o drayn_n of_o haxey_n carr_n a_o great_a part_n thereof_o have_v be_v sow_v with_o rape_n and_o other_o corn_n for_o three_o year_n together_o and_o bear_v plentiful_a crop_n that_o some_o part_n of_o the_o say_v carr_n not_o worth_a above_o six_o penny_n a_o acre_n per_fw-la annum_fw-la be_v after_o the_o say_v drayn_v worth_a xs._o the_o acre_n that_o several_a house_n have_v be_v since_o build_v and_o inhabit_v in_o sundry_a place_n of_o the_o say_v carr_n which_o former_o be_v drown_v land_n so_o likewise_o in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o level_n that_o since_o the_o drayn_n the_o gound_n be_v better_a worth_a xiijs._o iiijd._o a_o acre_n than_o they_o be_v two_o shilling_n a_o acre_n before_o that_o of_o ten_o acre_n of_o drayned_a land_n fifty_o quarter_n of_o rape_n seed_n have_v be_v get_v in_o one_o year_n and_o sell_v at_o xxxs._o the_o quarter_n that_o of_o the_o say_v drayn_v ground_n thâ—y_v have_v usual_o have_v three_o quarter_n and_o a_o half_a of_o wheat_n upon_o one_o acre_n three_o quarter_n of_o rye_n upon_o one_o acre_n and_o eight_o quarter_n of_o oat_n upon_o one_o acre_n and_o for_o six_o year_n together_o seven_o quarter_n of_o oat_n on_o one_o acre_n that_o before_o this_o drayn_n the_o country_n thereabouts_o be_v full_a of_o wander_a beggar_n but_o very_o few_o afterward_o be_v set_v on_o work_n in_o weed_n of_o corn_n burn_v of_o ground_n thrash_a ditch_v harvest_n work_n and_o other_o husbandry_n all_o wage_n of_o labourer_n by_o reason_n of_o this_o great_a use_n of_o they_o be_v then_o double_v hereunto_o i_o shall_v add_v what_o i_o find_v in_o that_o print_a relation_n beforementioned_a viz._n the_o state_n of_o the_o case_n id_fw-la est_fw-la that_o the_o say_v cornelius_n vermuyden_n together_o with_o his_o participant_n and_o their_o assign_v be_v in_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a possession_n of_o what_o belong_v to_o they_o by_o
pasture_n and_o moreover_o that_o if_o the_o same_o water_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o milnewel_n cryke_v as_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o grimâ—sâ—y_n desire_v it_o will_v be_v force_v back_o by_o the_o sea-rides_a and_o overflow_v the_o land_n at_o great_a cotes_n little_a cotes_n and_o lysceby_n to_o the_o damage_n of_o those_o town_n xll._o per_fw-la annum_fw-la except_o the_o channel_n of_o mylnewelcryke_n be_v sufficient_o dig_v and_o strong_a sluice_n make_v to_o keep_v back_o the_o tide_n and_o they_o moreover_o find_v that_o the_o say_a water_n be_v near_o to_o the_o same_o town_n of_o grimesby_n and_o that_o the_o channel_n so_o make_v aught_o to_o contain_v in_o length_n cxl_o perch_n and_o every_o perch_n to_o be_v xx_o foot_n in_o length_n and_o in_o breadth_n xij_o perch_n and_o that_o the_o burgess_n of_o that_o town_n may_v have_v benefit_n by_o the_o say_a current_n of_o water_n for_o the_o cleanse_n of_o their_o haven_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v yearly_a worth_n vis._o viijd._o upon_o a_o plead_n linc._n in_o 18_o e._n 1._o touch_v the_o repair_n of_o a_o sea-bank_n at_o thedelthorpe_n in_o a_o certain_a place_n there_o call_v â—othun_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o king_n assign_v will._n de_fw-fr carleton_n and_o will._n de_fw-fr candelesby_n to_o view_v the_o same_o and_o to_o take_v order_n for_o the_o repair_n thereof_o who_o thereupon_o ordain_v that_o every_o acre_n shall_v be_v tax_v alike_o for_o support_v the_o charge_n thereof_o notwithstanding_o any_o custom_n to_o the_o contrary_a but_o the_o business_n be_v not_o full_o determine_v at_o that_o time_n 14._o because_o the_o juror_n appear_v not_o till_o the_o octave_n of_o s._n martin_n in_o 26_o e._n 1._o upon_o a_o suit_n linc._n concern_v the_o repair_n of_o the_o ditch_n and_o sewer_n at_o waynflete_a the_o juror_n find_v that_o the_o custom_n of_o that_o town_n be_v such_o that_o the_o ditch_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v cleanse_v every_o year_n for_o the_o drayn_n the_o land_n belong_v to_o that_o place_n and_o that_o every_o inhabitant_n thereof_o have_v land_n there_o aught_o to_o be_v assess_v and_o tax_v according_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o his_o land_n to_o contribute_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o such_o cleanse_n and_o scour_v of_o they_o and_o they_o also_o find_v that_o one_o roger_n the_o son_n of_o walter_n de_fw-fr waynflet_n be_v then_o assess_v at_o two_o shilling_n for_o twenty-four_o acre_n of_o land_n which_o he_o hold_v there_o deny_v not_o the_o say_a custom_n but_o allege_v that_o the_o money_n tax_v for_o those_o repair_v aught_o according_a to_o the_o say_a custom_n to_o be_v levy_v and_o collect_v by_o certain_a of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o say_a town_n call_v dyke-rieves_a and_o not_o by_o any_o other_o the_o next_o year_n follow_v upon_o a_o suit_n linc._n commence_v by_o alan_n the_o son_n of_o peter_n le_fw-fr toller_n of_o north_n weynflete_a against_o william_n le_fw-fr toller_n for_o the_o distrain_n of_o his_o cattle_n at_o south_n weynflete_a in_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v the_o sale_n ham_n the_o say_v william_n justify_v the_o take_n of_o that_o distress_n and_o say_v that_o such_o be_v the_o custom_n in_o that_o townâ—_n of_o north_n waynflete_a that_o as_o oft_o as_o the_o sewer_n there_o make_v for_o drayn_v of_o their_o land_n do_v want_n repair_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v view_v by_o the_o commonalty_n of_o that_o place_n and_o that_o thereupon_o every_o person_n have_v land_n and_o tenement_n there_o aught_o to_o be_v assess_v for_o the_o repair_n of_o those_o sewer_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o his_o say_a land_n and_o the_o say_v william_n far_a affirm_v that_o the_o say_v alan_n be_v assess_v by_o the_o before-specified_n commonalty_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o seven_o perch_n of_o a_o certain_a ditch_n opposite_a to_o a_o place_n call_v cannon_n dayle_v by_o reason_n of_o seven_o acre_n of_o land_n which_o he_o hold_v that_o in_o former_a time_n belong_v to_o the_o ancestor_n of_o one_o john_n de_fw-fr bardne_n and_o lay_v abut_a upon_o that_o ditch_n where_o the_o say_v seven_o perch_n want_v repair_v and_o that_o he_o the_o say_v alan_n neglect_v to_o repair_v the_o same_o be_v distrain_v as_o abovesaid_a whereunto_o the_o say_v alan_n make_v answer_v that_o he_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o before-specified_n custom_n yet_o say_v that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o perform_v those_o repair_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o seven_o acre_n abovementioned_a but_o for_o other_o tenement_n viz._n xl_o acre_n of_o land_n with_o the_o appurtenance_n lie_v in_o waynflete_a aforesaid_a and_o in_o the_o same_o year_n upon_o another_o suit_n linc._n betwixt_o the_o say_a parâ—ies_n upon_o the_o take_n of_o the_o like_a distress_n the_o before-specified_n william_n avow_v that_o such_o be_v the_o custom_n in_o that_o town_n of_o north_n waynflete_a that_o certain_a of_o the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o be_v assign_v to_o view_v the_o marsh-ditche_n therein_o every_o year_n on_o the_o feast_n day_n of_o s._n andrew_n and_o to_o present_v the_o default_n which_o they_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o at_o the_o next_o court_n of_o henry_n de_fw-fr lacie_n earl_n of_o lincoln_n than_o lord_n of_o that_o town_n and_o that_o every_o tenant_n of_o that_o lordship_n who_o ought_v to_o make_v any_o repair_v there_o to_o be_v amerce_v in_o xvid._o at_o the_o say_v court_n whereunto_o the_o say_v alan_n answer_v that_o there_o may_v have_v be_v a_o sufficient_a distress_n find_v by_o the_o same_o william_n and_o not_o to_o have_v take_v his_o cattle_n which_o be_v for_o the_o blow_n in_o 28._o e._n 1._o thomas_n de_fw-fr burnham_n and_o ralph_n the_o friskeneye_n be_v constitute_v dorsâ—_n commissioner_n to_o view_v and_o repair_v the_o bank_n and_o sewer_n in_o the_o marsh_n of_o mersâ—e_n and_o lindeseye_n and_o chief_o the_o obstruction_n of_o a_o sewer_n in_o those_o marsh_n call_v the_o flete_n so_o also_o be_v dorso_fw-la thomas_n de_fw-fr burnham_n and_o gilbert_n de_fw-fr toutheby_n for_o those_o ditch_n and_o gutter_n in_o north_n weynflet_n divers_a other_o commission_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n do_v i_o find_v viz._n in_o 32_o e._n 1._o to_o dâ—rso_fw-la william_n howard_n thomas_n de_fw-fr burnham_n and_o ralph_n the_o freskeneye_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o all_o the_o bank_n and_o ditch_n upon_o the_o sea-coast_n in_o these_o part_n of_o lindeseye_n in_o 33_o e._n 1._o to_o dorso_fw-la the_o say_v thomas_n de_fw-fr burnham_n and_o thomas_n de_fw-fr gunneys_n for_o those_o in_o the_o part_n of_o malberthorp_n thedilthorpe_n and_o saltfletby_n in_o 34_o e._n 1._o to_o dorso_fw-la the_o same_o thomas_n de_fw-fr burnham_n henry_n de_fw-fr bayeux_n and_o roger_n de_fw-fr cubbledike_n for_o those_o at_o little_a coat_n upon_o humbre_fw-mi in_o 35_o e._n 1._o to_o dorso_fw-la ralph_n de_fw-fr friskenay_n henry_n de_fw-fr bayeux_n gilbert_n de_fw-fr toutheby_n and_o robert_n de_fw-fr malborthorp_n for_o all_o the_o bank_n and_o sewer_n in_o this_o province_n of_o lindsey_n in_o 2_o e._n 2._o to_o dorso_fw-la the_o say_v henry_n de_fw-fr bayeux_n nich._n de_fw-fr bolyngbrok_n and_o walter_n de_fw-fr stalynburgh_n for_o those_o at_o northcote_n tetenay_n humberstan_n thernesco_n itterby_n hole_n grymesby_n little_a cotes_n and_o great_a coat_n upon_o hombre_fw-es as_o also_o to_o ibid._n rog._n the_o scotere_n walt._n the_o freskeneye_n and_o alan_n de_fw-fr reytheby_n for_o those_o at_o malberthorp_n and_o thedilthorpe_n in_o 4_o e._n 2._o to_o dorso_fw-la john_n de_fw-fr kyme_n adam_n de_fw-fr de_fw-fr welle_v will._n de_fw-fr malberthorp_n and_o other_o for_o those_o betwixt_o mumby_n and_o saltfletby_n in_o 6_o e._n 2._o to_o dorso_fw-la the_o say_v henry_n de_fw-fr bayeux_n nicholas_n de_fw-fr bolingbrok_n and_o walter_n de_fw-fr stalingburgh_n for_o those_o betwixt_o grimesby_n and_o hotoft_n and_o upon_o trent_n betwixt_o burton-stath_a and_o torkesey_n in_o 7_o e._n 2._o to_o dorso_fw-la philip_n de_fw-fr kime_n roger_n de_fw-fr cubbeldyk_n walter_n de_fw-fr friskenay_n and_o rob._n de_fw-fr malberthorp_n for_o those_o bank_n ditch_n and_o sewer_n throughout_o this_o whole_a province_n of_o lindsey_n the_o like_a commission_n have_v dorso_fw-la thomas_n willoughby_n walter_n friskenay_n robert_n de_fw-fr malberthorpe_n and_o robert_n the_o rig_n in_o 11_o e._n 2._o so_o also_o in_o 12_o e._n 2._o have_v dorso_fw-la simon_n de_fw-fr chamberlain_n gilbert_n de_fw-fr toutheby_n and_o robert_n de_fw-fr malberthorpe_n in_o the_o same_o 12_o year_n of_o e._n 2._o to_o dorso_fw-la roger_n the_o â—ubbeldyke_a simon_n le_fw-fr chamberleyn_n and_o walt_n de_fw-fr friskenay_n for_o those_o bank_n and_o sewer_n upon_o the_o sea-coast_n betwixt_o friskenaye_v and_o thorpe_n near_o waynflâ—te_a in_o 14_o e._n 2._o to_o dorso_fw-la robert_n de_fw-fr malberthorp_n simon_n chamberleyn_n and_o thomas_n willâ—ghby_n for_o those_o betwixt_o cokhill_n and_o north_n coat_n in_o 18_o e._n 2._o to_o dorso_fw-la walter_n de_fw-fr friskeney_n robert_n de_fw-fr malberthorp_n
of_o the_o fish_n have_v set_v up_o and_o that_o henry_n earl_n of_o northumberland_n of_o right_a aught_o to_o repair_v the_o same_o sewer_n from_o the_o clowes_n to_o the_o southdykehyrne_n by_o reason_n that_o he_o hold_v the_o fish_n there_o in_o severalty_n as_o belong_v to_o his_o manor_n of_o thorpe_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n of_o bullingbroke_n and_o dalby_n or_o their_o fermour_n aught_o to_o cleanse_v the_o say_a sewer_n from_o southdike_n hirne_n unto_o the_o eas_fw-la end_n because_o they_o have_v the_o fish_n there_o in_o severalty_n and_o they_o likewise_o present_v that_o there_o be_v a_o four_o sewer_n sewer_n call_v theviscrik_n beginning_n in_o the_o mosses_n of_o friskenay_n at_o william_n barnagate_n and_o extend_v itself_o to_o the_o eas_fw-la end_n where_o the_o four_o stream_n do_v meet_v and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o breadth_n ten_o foot_n and_o dept_z five_z but_o be_v then_o also_o obstruct_v by_o a_o certain_a be_v which_o the_o fermour_n of_o the_o fish_n have_v make_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o say_a town_n of_o friskenay_n and_o that_o the_o sewer_n sewer_n call_v eas_fw-la end_n where_o the_o four_o stream_n meet_v aught_o to_o be_v in_o breadth_n forty_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n fourteen_o to_o the_o sea_n and_o repair_v by_o the_o soak_v of_o bullingbroke_n as_o often_o as_o need_n shall_v require_v and_o they_o far_o present_v that_o it_o will_v be_v requisite_a that_o a_o new_a pair_n of_o floodgate_n shall_v be_v make_v at_o the_o dam_n in_o breadth_n xij_o foot_n and_o depth_n according_a to_o the_o discretion_n of_o skilful_a person_n and_o that_o all_o the_o town_n within_o the_o soak_v of_o wapentake_n of_o bolingbroke_n as_o also_o the_o town_n of_o wrangle_n leake_n leverton_n benington_n butterwick_n freston_n and_o tofte_n aught_o of_o right_a to_o repair_v maintain_v open_a and_o shut_v those_o floodgate_n at_o proper_a time_n on_o their_o own_o cost_n and_o charge_n for_o ever_o except_v in_o timber_n iron_n work_n and_o also_o wage_n of_o carpenter_n and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o all_o discord_n betwixt_o those_o town_n touch_v the_o repair_n of_o the_o say_a floodgate_n may_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v be_v prevent_v it_o be_v then_o accord_v by_o and_o between_o they_o with_o the_o common_a assent_n aswell_o of_o the_o say_a duke_n of_o lancaster_n counsel_n the_o lord_n of_o willughby_n and_o abbot_n of_o revesby_n as_o of_o all_o other_o lord_n and_o inhabitant_n or_o their_o freeholders_n dwell_v in_o those_o town_n in_o form_n follow_v viz._n that_o every_o of_o the_o say_a townsman_n shall_v then_o at_o the_o first_o levy_n and_o collect_v for_o the_o say_v repair_v the_o four_o part_n of_o such_o a_o sum_n as_o the_o same_o town_n have_v ancient_o be_v assess_v at_o to_o a_o fifteen_o grant_v and_o payable_a to_o the_o king_n by_o the_o commons_o of_o england_n which_o say_v sum_n so_o levy_v to_o be_v deliver_v unto_o two_o discreet_a man_n to_o be_v choose_v by_o four_o throughout_o all_o those_o town_n who_o shall_v be_v oblige_v from_o year_n to_o year_n as_o follow_v first_o two_o of_o the_o soak_v of_o bullingbroke_n at_o the_o next_o court_n of_o the_o duke_n of_o lancasteâ—_n at_o bullingbroke_n before_o michaelmas_n yearly_o to_o be_v hold_v before_o the_o steward_n or_o his_o deputy_n there_o and_o two_o other_o of_o the_o town_n within_o the_o wapentake_n of_o skirbeck_n above_o name_v to_o be_v choose_v from_o year_n to_o year_n at_o the_o say_v duke_n court_n next_o before_o michaelmas_n at_o wrangle_n before_o the_o steward_n thereof_o or_o his_o deputy_n which_o four_z so_o to_o be_v elect_v to_o be_v aswell_o of_o the_o tenant_n of_o the_o say_a lord_n as_o of_o the_o tenant_n of_o any_o other_o lord_n according_a to_o discretion_n and_o they_o to_o meet_v at_o waynflete_a twice_o every_o year_n viz._n once_o within_o a_o month_n after_o easter_n and_o michaelmas_n and_o then_o to_o oversee_v those_o floodgate_n and_o all_o the_o sewer_n aforesaid_a and_o if_o any_o defect_n shall_v be_v find_v in_o they_o then_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v repair_v and_o amend_v with_o all_o speed_n according_a as_o in_o their_o discretion_n they_o shall_v think_v most_o meet_a and_o that_o at_o such_o their_o meeting_n after_o easter_n the_o say_v two_o so_o elect_v for_o those_o disbursement_n as_o aforesaid_a to_o render_v their_o account_n before_o the_o say_v four_o touch_v those_o common_a repair_n and_o expense_n and_o in_o 17_o r._n 2._o to_o dorso_fw-la sir_n philip_n tilney_n knight_n john_n de_fw-fr crosby_n john_n de_fw-fr rocheford_n of_o boston_n john_n land_n of_o pynchebek_n thomas_n de_fw-fr tofte_n and_o john_n waleys_n for_o those_o betwixt_o hildyke_n and_o bolyngbroke_n and_o to_o hear_v and_o determine_v all_o thing_n therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n ☜_o and_o the_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n as_o also_o to_o take_v up_o so_o many_o labourer_n upon_o competent_a wage_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v needful_a for_o that_o work_n consider_v the_o necessity_n of_o expedition_n therein_o in_o 19_o r._n 2._o there_o be_v a_o presentment_n lâ—nc_fw-la make_v in_o the_o king_n bench_n in_o easter_n term_n which_o be_v then_o hold_v at_o lincoln_n by_o the_o juror_n of_o divers_a wapeâ—takes_n in_o this_o county_n that_o the_o marsh_n of_o est_fw-la fen_n and_o westfenne_n as_o also_o divers_a land_n meadow_n and_o pasture_n lie_v in_o the_o town_n of_o leek_n wrangel_n frâ—fkeneye_n and_o waynflete_a betwixt_o the_o water_n of_o wythom_n and_o waynflete_a be_v drown_v by_o a_o great_a mundation_n of_o water_n so_o that_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o those_o town_n and_o of_o the_o soak_v and_o wapentake_n of_o bolingbroke_n do_v whole_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o their_o land_n and_o marsh_n there_o through_o the_o defect_n of_o a_o certain_a floodgate_n at_o waynflete_a which_o be_v so_o narrow_a that_o the_o course_n of_o the_o water_n pass_v that_o way_n can_v not_o go_v to_o the_o sea_n and_o that_o the_o town_n of_o waynflete_a aught_o to_o repair_v that_o floodgate_n as_o ancient_o they_o have_v wont_a to_o do_v and_o the_o say_a juror_n far_o allege_v that_o the_o same_o floodgate_n be_v not_o of_o breadth_n and_o depth_n sufficient_a to_o convey_v the_o say_a water_n to_o the_o sea_n and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o have_v another_o floodgate_n new_o erect_v near_o unto_o the_o same_o of_o xviij_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o that_o the_o town_n of_o leek_n wranghill_n friskeney_n and_o waynflete_a together_o with_o the_o soak_v and_o wapentake_n of_o bolingbroke_n as_o also_o all_o thâ—se_a which_o have_v common_a of_o pasture_n in_o the_o say_a marsh_n aught_o to_o contribute_v to_o the_o make_v thereof_o and_o that_o when_o be_v shall_v be_v make_v than_o the_o say_a town_n of_o waynflete_a to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v it_o at_o their_o own_o proper_a cost_n until_o it_o shall_v be_v necessary_a to_o make_v it_o anew_o except_v timber_n and_o iron_n and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o except_o this_o be_v do_v both_o the_o marsh_n land_n meadow_n and_o pasture_n aforesaid_a and_o commons_o in_o those_o town_n soak_v and_o wapentake_n before-specified_n will_v whole_o be_v lose_v and_o they_o also_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a sewer_n from_o hasend_n at_o uuaynflete_a unto_o the_o say_a floodgate_n wherein_o the_o duke_n of_o lancaster_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o dalby_n have_v fish_v who_o in_o respect_n thereof_o aught_o to_o repair_v and_o cleanse_v the_o same_o the_o shireeve_n thereof_o have_v command_v to_o summon_v all_o those_o town_n to_o answer_v this_o their_o neglect_n the_o next_o year_n follow_v the_o town_n of_o dunham_n scothorne_n reresâ—y_n and_o staynton_n be_v present_v lincâ—_n for_o neglect_v to_o repair_v the_o sewer_n call_v fen_n dyke_n which_o extend_v itself_o from_o the_o town_n of_o uuelton_n to_o langwath_n and_o not_o deny_v but_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o maintain_v the_o same_o be_v each_o of_o they_o amerce_v at_o xld._o in_o the_o same_o year_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o wytherin_n scrubby_n uuodethorpe_n malteby_n besby_n hamby_n markeby_n billesby_n alford_n uuelle_n salby_n thoresthorpe_n riggesby_n and_o aby_v be_v present_v linc._n for_o not_o repair_v the_o sewer_n call_v the_o south_n gâ—ist_v lie_v betwixt_o malberthorpe_n and_o trusthorpe_n which_o extend_v itself_o from_o a_o place_n call_v axiltrehirne_n to_o the_o sea_n and_o by_o which_o all_o the_o course_n of_o the_o water_n of_o those_o town_n have_v use_v of_o right_a to_o run_v to_o the_o sea_n for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o the_o say_a town_n which_o say_v sewer_n together_o with_o the_o goat_n call_v uuall-gote_n be_v then_o stop_v up_o do_v put_v themselves_o upon_o the_o country_n the_o shireeve_n therefore_o have_v command_v to_o summon_v a_o jury_n
county_n do_v exhibit_v a_o presentment_n 17._o in_o the_o court_n of_o king_n bench_n import_v that_o this_o channel_n call_v fossedike_n extend_v itself_o from_o the_o river_n of_o trent_n at_o torksey_n unto_o the_o city_n of_o lincoln_n have_v be_v ancient_o open_a and_o full_a of_o water_n so_o that_o ship_n and_o boat_n lade_v with_o victual_n and_o other_o vendible_a commodity_n do_v use_v to_o pass_v to_o and_o from_o nottingham_n york_n kingston_n upon_o hull_n and_o sundry_a other_o place_n and_o county_n by_o the_o say_a river_n of_o trent_n and_o so_o by_o this_o channel_n to_o lincoln_n and_o from_o lincoln_n to_o boston_n to_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o the_o say_a city_n of_o lincoln_n and_o advantage_n of_o all_o tradesman_n pass_v that_o way_n as_o also_o of_o the_o whole_a country_n adjacent_a be_v then_o choke_v up_o for_o want_n of_o cleanse_v and_o repair_v and_o that_o the_o prior_n of_o torkesey_n and_o town_n of_o torksey_n with_o the_o member_n thereof_o the_o prioress_n of_o fosse_n john_n bishop_n of_o lincoln_n gilb._n earl_n of_o angos_n &_o his_o tenant_n sir_n ralph_n daubney_n knight_n and_o his_o tenant_n the_o abbot_n of_o newsum_n john_n frunellâ—_n â—_z the_o tenant_n of_o the_o land_n of_o gilbert_n de_fw-fr bridshull_n the_o tenant_n of_o the_o land_n of_o hugh_n de_fw-fr normanton_n of_o saxelbie_n the_o lady_n katherine_n swinford_n john_n brett_n of_o thornhagh_n in_o the_o county_n of_o nottingham_n sir_n ralph_n painell_n knight_n and_o all_o other_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o town_n lie_v on_o each_o side_n the_o say_a channel_n and_o their_o ancestor_n who_o lordship_n lay_v on_o either_o side_n and_o abut_a on_o the_o same_o every_o man_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n lie_v against_o his_o own_o lordship_n do_v and_o ought_v to_o cleanse_v and_o repair_v the_o say_a channel_n and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o it_o have_v be_v so_o choke_v up_o and_o obstruct_v for_o above_o thirty_o year_n then_o last_v pass_v to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o the_o king_n as_o also_o of_o the_o whole_a country_n and_o city_n aforesaid_a notwithstanding_o which_o presentment_n the_o king_n issue_v out_o a_o commission_n dorso_fw-la the_o very_a next_o ensue_v year_n unto_o sir_n michael_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr pole_n knight_n mr_n geffrey_n le_fw-fr scrope_n and_o john_n de_fw-fr stafford_n clerk_n to_o inquire_v touch_v the_o obstruction_n thereof_o but_o i_o make_v a_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v thereupon_o cleanse_v for_o in_o 8_o r._n 2._o which_o be_v about_o nine_o year_n after_o i_o find_v that_o john_n duke_n of_o lancaster_n john_n bishop_n of_o lincoln_n henry_n percy_n earl_n of_o northumberland_n sir_n michael_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr pole_n knight_n sir_n philip_n darcy_n knight_n and_o other_o be_v appoint_v dorso_fw-la by_o the_o say_a king_n to_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v repair_v and_o scour_v so_o that_o ship_n and_o boat_n may_v have_v a_o clear_a passage_n through_o it_o as_o ancient_o they_o have_v use_v cap._n xxxi_o the_o marsh_n on_o withom_n on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o this_o province_n lie_v the_o river_n of_o witham_n extend_v itself_o from_o the_o suburb_n of_o lincoln_n to_o boston_n by_o which_o stream_n great_a vessel_n have_v ancient_o come_v up_o from_o boston_n to_o that_o city_n as_o the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o do_v by_o tradition_n affirm_v and_o as_o may_v seem_v by_o large_a rib_n of_o they_o which_o within_o memory_n have_v be_v there_o dig_v up_o but_o the_o descent_n of_o this_o stream_n from_o the_o say_a city_n to_o the_o sea_n be_v so_o little_a that_o the_o water_n have_v a_o slow_a passage_n can_v keep_v it_o wide_a and_o deep_a enough_o either_o for_o navigation_n or_o drayn_v of_o the_o adjacent_a marsh_n without_o the_o frequent_a help_n of_o dig_v and_o clear_v the_o same_o the_o mud_n and_o weed_n increase_v so_o much_o therein_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n take_v notice_n of_o what_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o tend_v to_o that_o purpose_n as_o also_o of_o its_o course_n above_o that_o city_n whereof_o the_o first_o mention_n that_o i_o find_v be_v in_o 6_o e._n 3._o henry_n de_fw-fr fienton_n will._n dysney_n and_o thomas_n de_fw-fr sibthorpe_n be_v then_o constitute_v dorso_fw-la the_o king_n commissioner_n for_o the_o view_v thereoâ—_n betwixt_o the_o town_n of_o bekingham_n and_o the_o city_n of_o lincoln_n it_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o its_o right_a channel_n in_o sundry_a place_n and_o so_o obstruct_v with_o sand_n mud_n and_o plantation_n of_o tree_n as_o also_o by_o floodgate_n sluice_n mill_n causeys_n and_o ditch_n that_o the_o course_n of_o the_o same_o be_v hinder_v cause_v frequent_a inundation_n to_o the_o land_n adjacent_a after_o this_o viz._n in_o 37_o e._n 3._o there_o be_v a_o presentment_n 7._o exhibit_v to_o john_n de_fw-fr repynghale_n and_o h._n asty_a than_o the_o say_v king_n commissioner_n of_o sewer_n sit_v at_o newerk_n upon_o monday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n laurence_n for_o the_o view_n of_o the_o say_a river_n of_o withom_n and_o remove_v all_o obstruction_n and_o impediment_n whereby_o the_o free_a current_n thereof_o from_o the_o town_n of_o claypole_n unto_o the_o say_a city_n of_o lincoln_n be_v hinder_v which_o presentment_n be_v make_v by_o the_o juror_n for_o the_o wapentake_v of_o boby_n and_o graffow_n import_v that_o the_o east_n mill_n at_o bracebrigge_n belong_v to_o the_o knight_n hospitalar_n of_o s._n john_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o england_n stand_v in_o the_o right_a course_n of_o that_o river_n do_v obstruct_v the_o current_n thereof_o to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o the_o say_a king_n and_o the_o country_n and_o that_o this_o be_v through_o the_o default_n of_o those_o knight_n hospitalar_n and_o they_o far_o say_v that_o the_o same_o river_n than_o have_v not_o sufficient_a depth_n nor_o breadth_n from_o the_o sheepcote_n belong_v to_o the_o prior_n of_o s._n katherine_n unto_o the_o bridge_n at_o bracebrigge_n and_o that_o the_o say_v knight_n hospitalar_n have_v certain_a floodgate_n therâ—_n which_o do_v turn_v the_o right_a course_n of_o that_o river_n out_o of_o its_o proper_a channel_n whereupon_o the_o shireeve_n of_o lincolnshire_n be_v command_v to_o summon_v the_o prior_n of_o the_o say_a hospital_n of_o s._n john_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o appear_v before_o those_o commissioner_n at_o newerk_n the_o wednesday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o assumption_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n than_o next_o ensue_v to_o answer_v to_o these_o particular_n who_o appear_v according_o do_v allege_v that_o he_o and_o his_o predecessor_n have_v be_v seize_v of_o the_o say_a mill_n time_n out_o of_o mind_n as_o in_o the_o right_n of_o their_o house_n and_o that_o the_o say_a mill_n then_o stand_v as_o it_o have_v ancient_o use_v to_o do_v without_o that_o that_o either_o he_o or_o his_o predecessor_n have_v build_v any_o new_a mill_n there_o and_o that_o this_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o justify_v and_o as_o to_o the_o floodgate_n he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v erect_v there_o time_n out_o of_o mind_n with_o this_o order_n viz._n that_o the_o gate_n thereof_o shall_v be_v yearly_o remove_v from_o the_o feast_n day_n of_o s._n elene_n in_o the_o month_n of_o may_n unto_o the_o feast_n day_n of_o the_o exaltation_n of_o the_o holy_a cross_n but_o that_o after_o that_o day_n until_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n elene_n they_o shall_v stand_v in_o their_o place_n and_o if_o the_o say_a river_n of_o withom_n shall_v happen_v upon_o any_o occasion_n to_o be_v so_o much_o raise_v as_o to_o be_v above_o a_o certain_a stake_n stand_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o say_a floodgate_n than_o the_o same_o gate_n to_o be_v remove_v until_o the_o water_n shall_v abate_v to_o the_o height_n of_o that_o stake_n which_o say_v stake_n have_v be_v there_o make_v and_o place_v for_o a_o gage_n time_n out_o of_o mind_n without_o that_o that_o any_o floodgate_n be_v raise_v high_a than_o that_o stake_n or_o that_o the_o same_o floodgate_n ought_v to_o be_v remove_v the_o business_n therefore_o be_v come_v to_o this_o issue_n the_o say_a commissioner_n sit_v at_o carleton_n in_o moreland_n on_o friday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n john_n baptist_n in_o the_o year_n abovesaid_a it_o be_v find_v by_o a_o verdict_n of_o the_o juror_n that_o the_o say_a prior_n of_o s._n johns_n and_o his_o predecessor_n be_v not_o seize_v of_o the_o say_a mill_n and_o floodgate_n time_n out_o of_o mind_n as_o have_v be_v before_o allege_v but_o that_o they_o be_v erect_v there_o after_o that_o time_n though_o not_o by_o the_o say_a prior_n therefore_o it_o be_v decree_v that_o the_o say_a mill_n and_o floodgate_n shall_v be_v remove_v and_o the_o shireeve_n of_o lincolnshire_n have_v command_v to_o remove_v they_o according_o and_o to_o make_v certificate_n of_o his_o do_n
therein_o to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n at_o sleford_n and_o about_o two_o year_n after_o this_o there_o be_v a_o presentment_n linc._n make_v in_o the_o court_n of_o king_n bench_n that_o the_o channel_n of_o this_o river_n in_o wildemore_n near_o coningesby_n be_v bend_v and_o defective_a betwixt_o the_o say_a river_n and_o a_o sewer_n call_v muardyke_n in_o coningesby_n so_o that_o the_o marsh_n of_o wildemore_n and_o bolingbroke_n be_v overflow_v and_o drown_v thereby_o and_o that_o this_o be_v through_o the_o default_n of_o the_o say_a town_n of_o coningesby_n who_o ought_v to_o repair_v the_o same_o in_o 1_o r_o 2._o william_n de_fw-fr skipwithâ—_n ralph_n de_fw-fr threske_n william_n vincent_n and_o william_n de_fw-fr candelesby_n be_v constitute_v dorso_fw-la commissioner_n for_o to_o view_v the_o defect_n in_o repair_n of_o a_o certain_a ditch_n lie_v betwixt_o snartford_n bridge_n and_o the_o before-specified_n river_n of_o wythom_n and_o to_o inquire_v who_o ought_v to_o repair_v the_o same_o and_o in_o 6_o r._n 2._o the_o king_n be_v inform_v dorso_o that_o the_o say_a river_n of_o wythom_n dorso_o as_o also_o that_o of_o brant_n and_o certain_a ditch_n and_o place_n whereby_o divers_a water_n in_o the_o county_n of_o noâ—ingham_n and_o this_o of_o lincoln_n do_v and_o have_v use_v to_o run_v from_o the_o town_n of_o cleypole_n and_o so_o down_o by_o lincoln_n unto_o the_o same_o river_n of_o wythom_n be_v so_o choke_v up_o with_o mud_n and_o obstruct_v with_o the_o plant_n of_o tree_n that_o by_o reason_n thereof_o and_o of_o certain_a floodgate_n the_o current_n of_o the_o say_a water_n be_v hinder_v the_o land_n meadow_n and_o pasture_n of_o divers_a person_n have_v be_v very_o often_o overflow_v and_o do_v at_o that_o time_n so_o continue_v he_o assign_v john_n bussy_n henry_n asty_a thomas_n claymond_n and_o other_o to_o view_v the_o same_o and_o to_o make_v the_o say_a channel_n and_o ditch_n large_a so_o that_o they_o may_v be_v xl_o or_o thirty_o foot_n wide_a betwixt_o the_o bank_n and_o ten_o foot_n in_o depth_n the_o like_a assignation_n dorso_fw-la have_v william_n de_fw-fr crosseby_n john_n de_fw-fr rocheford_n of_o boston_n john_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr launde_n of_o pynchebek_n thomas_n de_fw-fr tofte_n and_o john_n waleys_n in_o 18_o r._n 2._o for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o those_o bank_n and_o sewer_n betwixt_o hill_n dyke_n and_o bullingbroke_n and_o betwixt_o this_o river_n of_o wythom_n and_o the_o sea_n and_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n ☞_o as_o also_o to_o take_v so_o many_o digger_n and_o labourer_n upon_o competent_a salary_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o then_o urgent_a necessity_n as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o accomplish_v that_o work_n so_o also_o in_o 3_o h._n 5._o have_v dorso_fw-la sir_n robert_n de_fw-fr wylughby_n and_o sir_n thomas_n de_fw-fr wylughby_n knight_n john_n cokayn_n william_n de_fw-fr lodyngton_n james_n strangways_o and_o other_o for_o all_o the_o bank_n and_o ditch_n from_o this_o river_n to_o the_o sea_n and_o to_o proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n cap._n xxxii_o observation_n touch_v the_o whole_a great_a level_n have_v now_o do_v with_o all_o the_o marsh_n situate_v within_o the_o province_n of_o lindsey_n in_o this_o county_n and_o contin_v still_o my_o course_n southeast_n ward_n i_o come_v next_o to_o that_o great_a level_n which_o extend_v itself_o from_o about_o halton_n &_o toynton_n in_o lincolnshire_n through_o a_o good_a part_n of_o six_o county_n viz._n lincoln_n norfolk_n suffolk_z cambridge_n huntendon_n and_o northampton_n be_v in_o length_n no_o less_o than_o lx_o mile_n and_o in_o breadth_n from_o peterborough_n in_o northamptonshire_n to_o brandon_n in_o suffolk_n near_o forty_o mile_n all_o which_o except_v the_o isle_n of_o ely_n and_o some_o few_o place_n of_o that_o kind_a as_o also_o holland_n in_o lincolnshire_n and_o marshland_n in_o norfolk_n both_o which_o have_v be_v long_o ago_o by_o great_a industry_n gain_v from_o the_o sea_n as_o i_o shall_v clear_o show_v by_o and_o byâ—_n be_v for_o the_o space_n of_o many_o age_n until_o of_o late_a year_n a_o vast_a and_o deep_a fen_n afford_v little_a benefit_n to_o the_o realm_n other_o than_o fish_n or_o fowl_n with_o overmuch_a harbour_n to_o a_o rude_a and_o almost_o barbarous_a sort_n of_o lazy_a and_o beggarly_a people_n but_o before_o i_o begin_v to_o manifest_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v the_o drayn_n &_o improvement_n thereof_o have_v be_v accomplish_v it_o will_v be_v proper_a i_o conceive_v to_o show_v 1._o first_o what_o this_o large_a and_o spacious_a tract_n original_o be_v 2._o next_o how_o it_o come_v to_o be_v overflow_v by_o the_o sea_n 3._o how_o holland_n and_o marshland_n be_v first_o gain_v from_o the_o sea_n 4._o how_o the_o main_a level_n beforementioned_a come_v first_o to_o be_v a_o fen._n 5._o the_o rise_n course_n and_o outfall_n of_o the_o several_a river_n pass_v through_o it_o 6._o how_o those_o their_o outfall_n become_v obstruct_v 7._o the_o vast_a extent_n and_o great_a depth_n of_o the_o fresh_a water_n occasion_v by_o these_o obstruction_n of_o their_o outfall_n what_o this_o great_a level_n be_v at_o first_o that_o this_o vast_a level_n be_v at_o first_o a_o firm_a dry_a land_n and_o not_o annoy_v with_o any_o extraordinary_a inundation_n from_o the_o sea_n or_o stagnation_n of_o the_o fresh_a water_n i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o manifest_v which_o may_v perhaps_o seem_v strange_a to_o many_o but_o when_o it_o be_v well_o consider_v that_o timber-tree_n will_v not_o grow_v and_o thrive_v where_o water_n for_o the_o most_o part_n stands_z or_o in_o moor_n which_o by_o tract_n of_o time_n be_v breed_v and_o increase_v in_o such_o moist_a place_n both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o may_v with_o much_o probability_n be_v grant_v the_o casebeing_n then_o thus_o state_v it_o nowremain_v for_o i_o to_o prove_v that_o such_o have_v heretofore_o be_v breed_v and_o prosper_v in_o sundry_a part_n of_o this_o now_o fenny_a country_n which_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o do_v divers_a person_n yet_o live_v be_v able_a to_o testify_v that_o in_o the_o late_o dig_v of_o those_o channel_n anâ—_n drayn_n as_o have_v be_v make_v for_o the_o exsiccation_n thereof_o great_a number_n of_o such_o tree_n of_o several_a kind_n have_v be_v find_v most_o of_o oak_n and_o fir_n and_o few_o of_o they_o sever_v from_o their_o root_n but_o of_o such_o as_o be_v so_o sever_v the_o root_n be_v observe_v to_o stand_v in_o the_o firm_a earth_n below_o the_o moor_n of_o which_o sort_n i_o myself_o have_v see_v some_o that_o be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o fen_n near_o thorney_n and_o have_v have_v credible_a information_n of_o multitude_n find_v in_o other_o place_n whereof_o some_o be_v dig_v up_o at_o the_o cut_n of_o that_o large_a channel_n call_v downham_n ea_fw-la which_o extend_v itself_o from_o salter_n load_n about_o four_o mile_n northwards_o towards_o linne_n moreover_o in_o marshland_n about_o a_o mile_n westward_o from_o magdalen_n bridge_n at_o the_o set_n down_o of_o a_o sluse_n very_o late_o there_o be_v discover_v at_o xvij_o foot_n deep_a divers_a furze_n bush_n as_o also_o nut-tree_n press_v flat_o down_o with_o nut_n sound_a and_o firm_a lie_v by_o they_o the_o bush_n and_o tree_n stand_v in_o solid_a earth_n below_o the_o silt_n which_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o by_o the_o inundation_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o in_o time_n raise_v to_o that_o great_a thickness_n add_v hereunto_o what_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v in_o the_o isle_n of_o axholme_n touch_v the_o tree_n of_o oak_n and_o fir_n find_v in_o such_o great_a number_n at_o the_o make_n of_o those_o ditch_n and_o sewer_n for_o drayn_v of_o that_o fenn_n which_o though_o it_o lie_v not_o contiguous_a to_o this_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n be_v on_o the_o like_a level_n and_o be_v apparent_o a_o woody_a country_n at_o the_o first_o to_o give_v far_a instance_n therefore_o to_o demonstrate_v so_o evident_a a_o truth_n there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n so_o that_o i_o shall_v hence_o proceed_v and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n manifest_a upon_o what_o occasion_n this_o great_a alteration_n grow_v cap._n xxxiii_o how_o it_o become_v overflow_v by_o the_o sea_n grant_v therefore_o that_o this_o country_n though_o lie_v flat_a and_o low_a be_v not_o original_o annoy_v with_o the_o inundation_n of_o the_o ocean_n or_o any_o stop_n of_o the_o fresh_a water_n which_o may_v by_o overflow_a and_o drown_v make_v it_o fenny_a and_o consider_v the_o situation_n thereof_o to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o be_v bound_v on_o all_o part_n by_o the_o high_a land_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o horseshoe_n except_v towards_o
stretham_n mere_a on_o the_o border_n of_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n unite_v itself_o to_o a_o branch_n of_o the_o ouse_n be_v about_o xxij_o mile_n from_o its_o first_o head_n ouse_n which_o river_n of_o ouse_n rise_v near_o sisam_n in_o northamptonshire_n and_o pass_v through_o part_n of_o buckingham_n and_o bedford_n shire_n whence_o it_o take_v in_o several_a petty_a streamlet_n at_o length_n descend_v by_o huntendon_n to_o erith_n where_o it_o divide_v itself_o into_o two_o branch_n the_o one_o fall_v east_n and_o by_o north_n near_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n to_o stretham_n mere_a aforesaid_a where_o it_o receive_v the_o grant_n abovementioned_a and_o the_o other_o now_o call_v the_o west_n water_n north_n at_o the_o partition_n of_o huntendonshire_n and_o the_o say_a isle_n under_o chateriz_n to_o benwick_n and_o there_o in_o former_a age_n meet_v with_o a_o part_n of_o the_o river_n nene_n at_o a_o place_n call_v shreweshiste_fw-gr it_o join_v with_o the_o first_o branch_n thereof_o descend_v from_o stretham_n aforesaid_a by_o ely_n littleport_n and_o wallenea_n at_o which_o place_n so_o unite_v they_o pass_v by_o outwell_n at_o the_o partition_n of_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n and_o marshland_n to_o wisheche_v and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n but_o at_o this_o present_a it_o be_v otherwise_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o due_a place_n as_o also_o when_o and_o how_o that_o alteration_n grow_v for_o the_o first_o banch_n whereunto_o grant_n do_v unite_v do_v now_o descend_v from_o stretham_n to_o ely_n thence_o to_o littleport_n and_o so_o by_o priest_n house_n and_o rebbech_n to_o salter_n load_n receive_v into_o it_o betwixt_o priest_n house_n and_o salter_n load_n these_o other_o stream_n viz._n swafham_n load_n and_o reach_z load_n out_o of_o cambridgshire_n mildenhall_n river_n out_o of_o suffolk_n and_o ouse_n parva_fw-la out_o of_o the_o confine_n of_o suffolk_n and_o norfolk_n the_o river_n of_o wissey_n fall_v in_o by_o helgay_n and_o at_o salter_n load_n the_o other_o branch_n of_o ouse_n and_o nene_n unite_v from_o outwell_n which_o come_v in_o there_o by_o the_o new_a pow_n dike_v and_o from_o thence_o in_o one_o course_n into_o lynne_n deep_a and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n the_o same_o deep_a be_v now_o the_o best_a receptacle_n and_o most_o fit_a place_n for_o conduct_v the_o water_n out_o of_o the_o fen_n and_o low_a ground_n so_o that_o by_o this_o river_n of_o ouse_n all_o the_o spring_n downfall_n rill_n and_o brook_n of_o huntendonshire_n for_o the_o most_o part_n bedfordshire_n total_o and_o some_o part_n of_o buckingham_n oxford_n and_o northampton_n shire_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o sea_n the_o compass_n of_o ground_n afford_v descent_n to_o they_o be_v sixscore_o mile_n at_o the_o least_o nene_n nene_n who_o head_n be_v about_o catesby_n in_o northamptonshire_n pass_v through_o a_o large_a tract_n of_o ground_n in_o that_o county_n and_o at_o length_n to_o peterborough_n enter_v the_o fen_n near_o that_o place_n have_v in_o its_o course_n take_v in_o divers_a petty_a stream_n in_o which_o fenny_a flat_a it_o divide_v itself_o into_o sundry_a branch_n whereof_o the_o chief_a now_o fall_v under_o stranground_n and_o horsey_n bridge_n into_o wittlesey_n mere_a and_o so_o pass_v through_o that_o mere_a together_o with_o ubmere_n and_o ramsey_n mere_a run_v to_o benwick_n where_o it_o unite_v itself_o to_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o ouse_n before-specified_n and_o so_o go_v to_o the_o sea_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v the_o second_o branch_n of_o this_o river_n do_v take_v its_o course_n by_o thorney_n bar_n singlesholt_n and_o nomans_n land_n and_o so_o to_o the_o triangular_a bridge_n at_o croyland_n where_o it_o do_v unite_v with_o weland_n and_o pass_v away_o with_o it_o to_o spalding_n and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n but_o this_o channel_n of_o nene_n be_v now_o utter_o decay_v and_o likewise_o that_o of_o weland_n for_o whereas_o it_o do_v ancient_o fall_v into_o weland_n now_o weland_n make_v a_o fall_n backward_o by_o the_o same_o course_n to_o nomans_n land_n and_o the_o south_n ea_fw-la to_o dowesdale_n clowescrosse_n and_o guy_n hyrne_v and_o so_o by_o wisbeche_n and_o weile_n as_o it_o can_v to_o the_o sea_n other_o branch_n of_o nene_n there_o have_v be_v in_o ancient_a time_n within_o the_o fen_n viz._n king_n delft_n pass_v a_o little_a below_o stanground_n by_o raven_n willow_n athwart_o the_o fen_n to_o ramsey_n ground_n where_o it_o fall_v into_o the_o nene_n wittlesey_n dike_a a_o little_a above_o horsey_n bridge_n which_o fall_v by_o whittlesey_n town_n run_v into_o nene_n below_o benwick_n divers_a other_o current_n of_o it_o there_o be_v by_o and_o through_o the_o bound_n of_o thorney_n chiefly_a knorlake_n the_o wride_n and_o south_n ea_fw-la which_o have_v heretofore_o dischardged_a themselves_o into_o the_o sea_n as_o some_o suppose_v by_o clow_n cross_a but_o of_o late_a time_n since_o the_o new_a leame_z be_v make_v by_o bishop_n morton_n from_o stanground_n to_o guy_n hyrne_v and_o so_o to_o wisbeche_v their_o chief_a and_o best_a passage_n have_v be_v by_o that_o channel_n this_o river_n of_o nene_n bring_v with_o it_o into_o the_o fen_n the_o downfall_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o northamptonshire_n and_o then_o have_v no_o present_a issue_n into_o the_o sea_n divide_v itself_o as_o i_o have_v show_v and_o be_v bound_v on_o one_o side_n with_o the_o ouse_n on_o another_o with_o uueland_n and_o on_o a_o three_o with_o south_n ea_fw-la bank_n and_o other_o bank_n in_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n it_o be_v a_o principal_a cause_n of_o the_o surround_v of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o fen_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o occasion_v abundance_n of_o â—ock_n wherewith_o the_o great_a part_n of_o south_n holland_n and_o uuisbeche_n which_o have_v make_v bank_n against_o the_o same_o be_v afflict_v weland_n uueland_n have_v its_o rise_n near_o sibertoft_n in_o northamptonshire_n and_o take_v in_o some_o petty_a streamlet_n come_v at_o length_n to_o market_n depe_v and_o s._n james_n depe_v where_o it_o enter_v the_o fen_n and_o burden_v they_o with_o all_o the_o water_n and_o downfall_n of_o part_n of_o northampton_n leicester_n rutland_n and_o lincolnshires_n whence_o pass_v to_o croyland_n bridge_n it_o divide_v itself_o into_o two_o branch_n the_o one_o lead_v by_o south_n ea_z towards_o uuisbeche_n the_o other_o in_o a_o most_o slow_a course_n to_o spalding_n and_o surflet_n where_o receive_v the_o water_n of_o glen_n it_o go_v on_o to_o fosse-dike-stow_a and_o so_o into_o boston_n deep_a witham_n witham_n have_v its_o head_n at_o south_n uuitham_n in_o kesteven_n a_o province_n of_o lincolnshire_n and_o receive_v into_o it_o divers_a petty_a rivulet_n as_o it_o run_v on_o towards_o boston_n take_v in_o at_o anthony_n goat_n and_o newgote_v the_o water_n from_o the_o drown_a ground_n of_o uuildemore_n uuest_n fen_n and_o part_n of_o east_n fen_n together_o with_o a_o streamlet_n fall_v from_o the_o castle_n of_o bullinbroke_a and_o last_o at_o boston_n by_o trinity_n goat_n and_o through_o hammon_n beck_n and_o skirbeck_n gote_v divers_a rill_n and_o downfall_n out_o of_o kesteven_n between_o hekington_n burn_v and_o the_o river_n of_o glen_n and_o then_o pass_v from_o boston_n by_o uuilberton_n ride_v do_v run_v into_o norman_a deep_a and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n after_o at_o least_o lxvi_o mile_n progress_n which_o river_n of_o witham_n bring_v with_o it_o the_o spring_n and_o downfall_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o kesteven_n and_o lindsey_n whereby_o in_o the_o winter_n it_o can_v be_v contain_v within_o its_o bank_n overflow_v a_o large_a proportion_n of_o the_o fenny_a ground_n lie_v in_o holland_n kesteven_n and_o lindsey_n glen_n glen_n be_v the_o least_o river_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n serve_v almost_o to_o none_o other_o use_n but_o to_o carry_v away_o so_o much_o of_o its_o own_o water_n with_o the_o rill_n descend_v from_o burne_n as_o can_v be_v keep_v between_o two_o defensible_a bank_n by_o which_o it_o be_v carry_v through_o the_o fen_n into_o pinchbek_n the_o bottom_n of_o this_o river_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n high_a than_o the_o fenny_a ground_n by_o which_o it_o pass_v and_o therefore_o can_v be_v no_o drain_v for_o the_o same_o except_o the_o out-fall_a under_o surflete_a towards_o fossedike_n be_v recover_v cap._n xxxvii_o how_o those_o their_o outfall_n become_v obstruct_v have_v thus_o describe_v the_o rise_n course_n and_o outfall_n of_o these_o several_a stream_n i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o their_o inundation_n and_o drown_n of_o this_o great_a level_n whereby_o instead_o of_o the_o benefit_n which_o it_o may_v receive_v from_o their_o overflowing_n in_o case_n they_o have_v enjoy_v their_o free_a and_o natural_a passage_n and_o outfall_n it_o have_v be_v make_v for_o the_o most_o part_n for_o
s._n guthlake_n be_v awake_a in_o the_o night_n time_n betwixt_o his_o hour_n of_o prayer_n as_o he_o be_v accustom_v of_o a_o sudden_a he_o discern_v all_o his_o cell_n to_o be_v full_a of_o black_a troop_n of_o unclean_a spirit_n which_o creep_v in_o under_o the_o door_n as_o also_o at_o chink_n and_o hole_n and_o come_v both_o oâ—t_n of_o the_o sky_n and_o from_o the_o earth_n fill_v the_o air_n as_o it_o be_v with_o dark_a cloud_n in_o their_o look_n they_o be_v cruel_a and_o of_o form_n terrible_a have_v great_a head_n long_a neck_n lean_a face_n pale_a countenance_n ill-favoured_a beard_n rough_a ear_n wrinkle_a forehead_n fierce_a eye_n stink_a mouth_n tooth_n like_o horse_n spit_v fire_n out_o of_o their_o throat_n crooked_a jaw_n broad_a lip_n loud_a voice_n burn_a hair_n great_a cheek_n high_a breast_n rugged_a thigh_n bunch_a knee_n bend_a leg_n swell_v ankle_n preposterous_a foot_n open_a mouth_n and_o hoarse_a cry_n who_o with_o such_o mighty_a shriek_n be_v hear_v to_o roar_v that_o they_o fill_v almost_o the_o whole_a distance_n from_o heaven_n with_o their_o bellow_a noise_n and_o by_o and_o by_o rush_v into_o the_o house_n first_o bind_v the_o holy_a maâ—_n than_o draw_v he_o out_o of_o his_o cell_n and_o cast_v he_o over_o head_n and_o ear_n into_o the_o dirty_a fen_n and_o have_v so_o do_v carry_v he_o through_o the_o most_o rough_a and_o troublesome_a part_n thereof_o draw_v he_o among_o bramble_n and_o brier_n for_o the_o tear_n of_o his_o limb_n cap._n thirty-nine_o from_o crouland_n i_o come_v to_o ely_n a_o island_n situate_a in_o the_o main_a body_n of_o this_o fen_n concern_v which_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o sundry_a memorable_a passage_n that_o do_v notable_o set_v forth_o the_o vastness_n and_o depth_n of_o the_o water_n which_o do_v environ_v it_o many_o year_n since_o whereof_o i_o shall_v give_v instance_n as_o they_o happen_v in_o order_n of_o time_n that_o this_o island_n be_v make_v choice_n of_o for_o a_o place_n of_o voluntary_a retirement_n by_o those_o who_o out_o of_o great_a piety_n forsake_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o transitory_a world_n betake_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o devout_a prayer_n frequent_a watch_n and_o strict_a abstinence_n i_o need_v not_o go_v about_o to_o manifest_v in_o particular_n it_o be_v so_o clear_a a_o truth_n evidence_v unto_o we_o from_o all_o antiquity_n that_o such_o person_n do_v sever_v themselves_o in_o the_o like_a kind_n from_o the_o world_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v with_o the_o less_o disturbance_n apply_v themselves_o to_o those_o religious_a and_o holy_a duty_n s._n hierom_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o rusticus_n tell_v we_o praecipui_fw-la inventores_fw-la &_o cultores_fw-la monachatus_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la silij_fw-la prophetarum_fw-la in_o veteri_fw-la teâ—â—amento_fw-la qui_fw-la aedificabant_fw-la casulas_fw-la propè_fw-la fluenta_fw-la jordanis_n &_o turbis_fw-la &_o urbibus_fw-la derelictis_fw-la polenta_fw-la &_o herbis_fw-la agrestibus_fw-la victitabant_fw-la that_o the_o principal_a beginner_n and_o lover_n of_o a_o monastique_a life_n be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n who_o leave_v the_o town_n and_o conversation_n with_o people_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v feed_v upon_o coarse_a bread_n and_o herb_n of_o the_o field_n and_o build_v themselves_o cottage_n near_o the_o stream_n of_o the_o river_n of_o jordan_n and_o though_o this_o be_v a_o special_a reason_n why_o these_o pious_a votary_n first_o seâ—led_v in_o this_o island_n as_o a_o place_n of_o so_o great_a retirement_n and_o solitude_n yet_o be_v there_o another_o viz._n the_o conveniency_n of_o fish_n that_o be_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o their_o food_n for_o after_o the_o rule_n of_o s._n benedict_n become_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n which_o forbid_v the_o eat_n of_o flesh_n to_o any_o of_o those_o monk_n it_o have_v so_o high_a a_o esteem_n that_o not_o only_o all_o the_o monastery_n then_o in_o be_v in_o this_o realm_n do_v with_o great_a reverence_n entertain_v it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v erect_v for_o divers_a age_n afterward_o be_v of_o no_o other_o order_n as_o to_o the_o erection_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o give_v a_o brief_a touch_n with_o the_o occasion_n in_o regard_v it_o be_v in_o so_o great_a veneration_n whilst_o it_o stand_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o sanctity_n of_o s._n audrey_n the_o first_o foundress_n thereof_o to_o who_o shrine_n not_o a_o few_o resort_v for_o the_o many_o miracle_n there_o wrought_v as_o be_v then_o not_o only_o with_o much_o confidence_n affirm_v but_o undoubted_o believe_v â—_o etheldreda_n vulgar_o call_v audrey_n daughter_n to_o anna_n king_n of_o the_o east-angle_n be_v through_o the_o persuasion_n of_o her_o father_n marry_v to_o tombert_n a_o prince_n of_o the_o southern_a gyrvii_n or_o fen-man_n have_v this_o isle_n of_o ely_n give_v she_o in_o dower_n by_o her_o say_a husband_n unto_o which_o after_o his_o death_n she_o retire_v a_o pure_a virgin_n notwithstanding_o she_o be_v his_o wife_n almost_o three_o year_n and_o affect_v the_o place_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o access_n to_o it_o as_o also_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o wilderness_n sever_v from_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n she_o there_o settle_a herself_o take_v to_o her_o company_n certain_a person_n with_o who_o she_o have_v contract_v friendship_n for_o religion_n sake_n but_o so_o it_o happen_v that_o about_o five_o year_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o such_o her_o retirement_n egfrid_n k._n of_o northumberland_n be_v high_o inflame_v with_o her_o beauty_n through_o the_o power_n of_o her_o friendsâ—_n obtain_v she_o for_o his_o wife_n howbeit_o after_o she_o have_v be_v wed_v about_o xij_o year_n she_o resolve_v no_o long_o to_o deâ—er_v the_o do_v of_o that_o which_o she_o have_v set_v her_o heart_n upon_o and_o without_o any_o free_a leave_n of_o her_o say_a husband_n as_o a_o queen_n and_o a_o virgin_n she_o repair_v to_o the_o monastery_n in_o coldingham_n in_o scotland_n where_o ebba_n her_o husband_n aunt_n be_v then_o abbess_n and_o there_o be_v veil_v a_o nun_n by_o bishop_n wilfrid_n where_o for_o the_o space_n of_o one_o whole_a year_n she_o learn_v that_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v pleasant_a and_o his_o burden_n easy_a but_o then_o k._n egfrid_n desire_v to_o have_v she_o again_o as_o his_o wife_n endeavour_v to_o take_v she_o out_o of_o the_o say_v religious_a house_n and_o to_o that_o end_n forthwith_o go_v thither_o whereof_o the_o abbess_n have_v notice_n present_o advise_v she_o to_o hasten_v thence_o and_o to_o make_v no_o stay_n till_o she_o come_v to_o her_o own_o habitation_n at_o ely_n whereupon_o she_o depart_v much_o lament_v and_o sorrow_v and_o accompany_v with_o two_o holy_a virgin_n vice_n selbeâ—na_n and_o selbera_n ascend_v a_o great_a hill_n near_o colburthesheve_v at_o which_o time_n it_o please_v god_n to_o send_v such_o a_o rain_n that_o king_n egfrid_n who_o pursue_v she_o can_v not_o have_v access_n thereto_o in_o any_o place_n for_o the_o water_n where_o they_o continue_v without_o either_o meat_n or_o drink_n in_o prayer_n for_o the_o spâ—ce_n of_o seven_o day_n till_o the_o king_n without_o hope_n of_o get_v to_o she_o return_v with_o much_o amazement_n and_o go_v to_o york_n after_o which_o he_o can_v never_o endure_v s._n wilfride_n but_o long_o harbour_v revenge_n towards_o he_o do_v at_o length_n deprive_v he_o of_o his_o bishopric_n but_o these_o nun_n still_o continue_v on_o the_o top_n of_o that_o rock_n where_o almost_o faint_v for_o lack_v of_o water_n ebba_n the_o venerable_a abbess_n abovementioned_a advise_v audrey_n that_o she_o shall_v pray_v devout_o unto_o god_n that_o he_o who_o supply_v his_o people_n in_o the_o wilderness_n from_o the_o rock_n will_v vouchsafe_v water_n unto_o they_o in_o this_o their_o great_a necessity_n whereupon_o she_o pour_v out_o her_o prayer_n unto_o god_n with_o much_o fervency_n there_o immediate_o gush_v out_o a_o clear_a spring_n which_o not_o only_o satisfy_v their_o thirst_n at_o that_o time_n but_o ever_o since_o have_v be_v of_o such_o virtue_n that_o infirm_a people_n drink_v of_o it_o have_v thereby_o receive_v health_n to_o which_o miracle_n my_o author_n add_v one_o more_o viz._n that_o the_o footstep_n of_o this_o holy_a virgin_n be_v still_o to_o be_v see_v on_o the_o side_n of_o this_o hill_n both_o as_o she_o ascend_v and_o descend_v from_o it_o in_o as_o perfect_v a_o manner_n as_o if_o she_o have_v tread_v upon_o soft_a wax_n after_o this_o saint_z audrey_z for_o so_o my_o author_n now_o call_v she_o take_v with_o her_o the_o two_o maid_n beforementioned_a go_v thence_o and_o pass_v the_o river_n humbre_fw-mi land_v at_o wintringham_n in_o lincolnshire_n about_o ten_o furlong_n from_o which_o town_n they_o come_v to_o
a_o little_a village_n call_v alfham_n almost_o compass_v about_o with_o the_o fen_n where_o continue_v a_o few_o day_n she_o erect_v a_o church_n unto_o the_o lord_n thence_o take_v her_o journey_n be_v much_o weary_v with_o travel_n she_o lay_v down_o in_o a_o shady_a place_n to_o sleep_v and_o when_o she_o awake_v find_v her_o staff_n which_o be_v when_o she_o stick_v it_o down_o at_o her_o head_n old_a and_o long_o wither_v not_o only_o clothe_v with_o a_o new_a green_a bark_n but_o bud_v with_o verdant_a branch_n and_o leaf_n which_o be_v by_o her_o lâ—ft_n there_o grow_v to_o be_v the_o large_a ash_n tree_n in_o all_o those_o part_n and_o the_o place_n ever_o afterward_o call_v etheldrede_n stow_z id_fw-la est_fw-la the_o rest_a of_o s._n etheldrede_n whâ—re_v a_o church_n afterward_o be_v also_o build_v in_o honour_n of_o our_o bless_a lady_n and_o jesus_n christ._n but_o at_o length_n s._n audrey_n come_v to_o her_o own_o estate_n at_o ely_n with_o her_o two_o maid_n and_o be_v there_o receive_v with_o great_a honour_n huna_n a_o priest_n short_o follow_v she_o where_o desire_v to_o erect_v a_o monastery_n many_o person_n strive_v to_o have_v their_o child_n instruct_v by_o she_o among_o which_o werburge_n the_o daughter_n of_o wolpherus_fw-la then_o king_n of_o merica_n and_o of_o queen_n ermenilde_a his_o wife_n be_v one_o and_o in_o that_o place_n by_o the_o help_n of_o king_n athulf_n her_o brother_n she_o build_v a_o religious_a house_n of_o nun_n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n dclxxiij_o and_o give_v the_o whole_a island_n unto_o it_o send_v her_o dear_a friend_n s._n wilfride_n to_o rome_n for_o confirmation_n thereof_o who_o obtain_v the_o same_o from_o pope_n benedict_n with_o great_a immunity_n and_o privilege_n and_o have_v accomplish_v this_o foundation_n be_v also_o make_v abbess_n there_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o she_o never_o after_o do_v wear_v any_o linen_n but_o content_v herself_o with_o woollen_a garment_n and_o very_o seldom_o except_o on_o the_o great_a festival_n do_v eat_v often_o than_o once_o in_o one_o day_n and_o moreover_o if_o by_o some_o infirmity_n she_o be_v not_o hinder_v from_o the_o time_n of_o matin_n until_o break_v of_o the_o day_n she_o always_o continue_v at_o her_o prayer_n in_o the_o church_n but_o about_o seven_o year_n after_o that_o she_o have_v take_v upon_o her_o the_o degree_n of_o abbess_n she_o depart_v this_o life_n on_o the_o ixth_o kalend_n of_o july_n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n dclxxix_o and_o be_v bury_v in_o a_o wooden_a coffin_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o her_o fellow_n nun_n as_o she_o herself_o have_v appoint_v that_o holy_a man_n huna_n the_o priest_n beforementioned_a celebrate_v her_o funeral_n who_o soon_o after_o her_o death_n retire_v to_o a_o little_a island_n not_o far_o from_o this_o of_o ely_n found_v a_o church_n there_o and_o live_v in_o great_a solitude_n the_o same_o be_v thereupon_o call_v huneye_n to_o this_o holy_a woman_n in_o the_o place_n of_o abbess_n succeed_v that_o devout_a virgin_n sexburge_n her_o sister_n who_o sixteen_o year_n after_o take_v up_o her_o body_n which_o with_o the_o linen_n wherein_o it_o be_v wrap_v be_v find_v incorrupt_a and_o cuâ—ing_n many_o disease_a people_n with_o the_o touch_n thereof_o have_v wash_v the_o body_n again_o and_o put_v new_a vestment_n upon_o it_o she_o bring_v it_o into_o the_o church_n of_o our_o lady_n so_o build_v by_o she_o as_o have_v be_v say_v and_o there_o place_v it_o in_o a_o new_a coffin_n of_o white_a marble_n find_v at_o grantcester_n and_o bring_v thither_o it_o be_v not_o a_o little_a observable_a that_o in_o the_o place_n where_o her_o body_n be_v first_o bury_v there_o stream_v out_o a_o fountain_n of_o pure_a water_n upon_o that_o translation_n thereof_o which_o still_o remain_v say_v my_o author_n to_o these_o famous_a virgin_n succeed_v other_o under_o who_o strict_a rule_n and_o holy_a discipline_n this_o monastery_n flourish_v with_o great_a honour_n till_o the_o year_n dccclxx_o id_fw-la est_fw-la cxcvij_o year_n that_o the_o dane_n than_o pagan_n lead_v by_o inguar_n and_o ubba_n make_v a_o invasion_n into_o this_o realm_n and_o destroy_v it_o for_o such_o be_v the_o depth_n of_o the_o water_n which_o compass_v this_o isle_n extend_v to_o the_o sea_n that_o they_o have_v a_o easy_a access_n unto_o it_o by_o ship_v as_o the_o mâ—_n history_n thereof_o b._n speak_v of_o that_o their_o incursion_n in_o these_o word_n import_v huius_fw-la siquidem_fw-la communis_fw-la tribulationis_fw-la &_o miseriae_fw-la nullatenus_fw-la expers_fw-la fuit_fw-la eliensis_n insula_fw-la praesertim_fw-la cum_fw-la paludes_fw-la &_o aquae_fw-la quibus_fw-la circumcingitur_fw-la in_o mare_fw-la porrigantur_fw-la sit_fw-la ab_fw-la ipsis_fw-la aestuantis_fw-la aequoris_fw-la fluctibus_fw-la quorumlibet_fw-la navium_fw-la ad_fw-la eandem_fw-la insulam_fw-la non_fw-la difficilis_fw-la accessus_fw-la in_o hanc_fw-la vecta_fw-la est_fw-la aliquando_fw-la gens_fw-la eadem_fw-la cum_fw-la multis_fw-la navibus_fw-la etc._n etc._n at_o which_o time_n such_o be_v the_o savageness_n of_o that_o barbarous_a people_n that_o have_v turn_v out_o the_o nun_n and_o ransack_v the_o church_n of_o all_o the_o ornament_n and_o wealth_n then_o in_o it_o they_o burn_v it_o to_o the_o ground_n and_o one_o of_o they_o more_o inhuman_a than_o the_o rest_n suppose_v some_o treasure_n to_o have_v be_v hide_v in_o the_o tomb_n of_o s._n audrey_n make_v a_o hole_n into_o it_o with_o a_o pick-ax_n whereupon_o through_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n his_o eye_n present_o fall_v out_o of_o his_o head_n so_o that_o he_o die_v with_o which_o judgement_n the_o rest_n be_v so_o terrify_v that_o they_o dare_v not_o presume_v to_o meddle_v there_o any_o more_o but_o such_o be_v their_o cruelty_n that_o they_o also_o fall_v upon_o the_o clergy_n kill_v some_o and_o imprison_v many_o other_o insomuch_o as_o this_o place_n lie_v whole_o desolate_a until_o that_o after_o some_o year_n eight_o of_o they_o come_v thither_o again_o repair_v the_o porch_n of_o that_o ruin_a church_n and_o celebrate_v divine_a service_n therein_o howbeit_o to_o these_o priest_n there_o succeed_v those_o who_o live_v not_o only_o irregular_o but_o irreligious_o nay_o the_o superior_a himself_o out_o of_o a_o wicked_a curiosity_n desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v whether_o the_o body_n of_o that_o holy_a virgin_n s_o audrey_n be_v corrupt_v or_o not_o say_v that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o god_n will_v have_v wrought_v many_o miracle_n thereby_o whereupon_o one_o of_o his_o fellow_n tell_v he_o that_o divers_a miracle_n have_v be_v there_o do_v by_o virtue_n thereof_o make_v instance_n of_o these_o several_a cure_n viz._n of_o a_o woman_n that_o be_v trouble_v with_o a_o palsy_n for_o six_o year_n a_o young_a man_n dumb_a for_o seven_o year_n a_o maid_n blind_a from_o her_o birth_n after_o ten_o year_n restore_v to_o sight_n a_o youngman_n that_o have_v a_o wither_a have_v a_o maidservant_n unto_o who_o hand_n a_o tool_n whereof_o she_o make_v use_v to_o get_v up_o root_n out_o of_o a_o garden_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n stick_v so_o fast_o for_o the_o space_n of_o five_o year_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v pull_v out_o but_o notwithstanding_o these_o instance_n the_o say_v superior_a call_v to_o he_o four_o young_a man_n of_o his_o society_n thrust_v into_o that_o hole_n of_o the_o coffin_n which_o the_o dane_n have_v former_o make_v divers_a branch_n of_o fennell_n that_o lie_v upon_o the_o floor_n and_o desire_v to_o see_v whether_o her_o vestment_n be_v perish_v take_v a_o candle_n and_o fasten_v it_o to_o a_o stick_n put_v it_o into_o the_o say_a hole_n which_o fall_v from_o the_o stick_n continue_v flame_v till_o it_o be_v total_o consume_v yet_o burn_v not_o any_o part_n of_o they_o neither_o do_v they_o yet_o cease_v but_o sharpen_v the_o stick_n at_o the_o one_o end_n thrust_v it_o into_o the_o say_a vestment_n and_o draw_v they_o to_o the_o hole_n and_o be_v embolden_v because_o they_o have_v no_o hurt_n one_o of_o they_o take_v a_o knife_n and_o cut_v off_o a_o piece_n other_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o remainder_n endeavour_v withal_o their_o strength_n to_o pull_v it_o out_o but_o can_v not_o it_o be_v draw_v back_o again_o with_o so_o much_o force_n as_o if_o two_o strong_a man_n have_v tug_v at_o it_o but_o see_v the_o event_n of_o this_o sacrilegious_a practice_n a_o great_a plague_n seize_v by_o and_o by_o upon_o the_o family_n of_o that_o priest_n whereof_o his_o wife_n and_o child_n with_o all_o his_o offspring_n die_v and_o carry_v he_o likewise_o within_o a_o few_o day_n to_o hell_n as_o say_v my_o author_n because_o he_o have_v not_o by_o great_a penance_n purge_v himself_o from_o this_o wicked_a deed_n and_o of_o his_o associate_n therein_o two_o of_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v slay_v the_o three_o after_o he_o be_v make_v priest_n lose_v his_o sense_n at_o
every_o wane_n of_o the_o moon_n and_o the_o four_o be_v strike_v with_o a_o palsy_n contain_v so_o until_o his_o parent_n with_o great_a sorrow_n bring_v he_o to_o the_o tomb_n of_o s._n audrey_n and_o there_o watch_v one_o night_n and_o promise_v upon_o the_o sacrament_n to_o make_v satisfaction_n he_o become_v restore_v by_o the_o intercession_n of_o that_o bless_a virgin_n neither_o be_v this_o church_n possess_v by_o any_o other_o than_o these_o wicked_a priest_n until_o the_o ten_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n edgar_n for_o it_o happen_v in_o that_o king_n time_n that_o one_o sigewold_n a_o bishop_n a_o greek_a by_o nation_n and_o thurslane_n a_o dane_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o eminency_n of_o this_o place_n and_o become_v both_o of_o they_o suitor_n for_o it_o more_o out_o of_o covetuousness_n than_o devotion_n one_o wlstan_n de_fw-fr delham_n secretary_n to_o the_o king_n inform_v he_o of_o the_o fame_n and_o sanctity_n thereof_o and_o tell_v he_o that_o such_o person_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o it_o and_o moreover_o declare_v unto_o he_o the_o life_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o glorious_a virgin_n s._n audrey_n in_o the_o presence_n and_o hear_n of_o ethelwold_n bishop_n of_o winchester_n than_o the_o king_n confessor_n who_o take_v notice_n thereof_o with_o great_a delight_n forthwith_o purchase_v it_o of_o the_o say_a king_n with_o such_o immunity_n and_o privilege_n as_o that_o it_o shall_v for_o ever_o be_v free_a from_o any_o regal_a tribute_n or_o exaction_n and_o have_v so_o do_v do_v put_v out_o those_o secular_a priest_n and_o repair_v the_o church_n which_o have_v be_v destroy_v by_o the_o dane_n and_o continue_v desolate_a for_o a_o hundred_o year_n introduce_v monk_n thereinto_o constitute_v brythnod_n provost_n of_o the_o church_n of_o winchester_n the_o first_o abbot_n all_o which_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o year_n after_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o saviour_n dcccclx_n and_o from_o the_o time_n that_o s._n audrey_n first_o build_v it_o ccxcvii_o receive_v into_o it_o those_o priest_n which_o be_v content_a to_o undergo_v a_o monastique_a life_n and_o augment_v its_o possession_n with_o divers_a other_o land_n purchase_v by_o himself_o as_o also_o divers_a rich_a ornament_n and_o obtain_v some_o of_o the_o say_a king_n grant_v and_o moreover_o buy_v of_o the_o say_a king_n not_o only_o the_o whole_a isle_n scil_n xx_o hide_v of_o land_n which_o he_o have_v therein_o but_o the_o dignity_n and_o soak_v of_o seven_o hundred_o and_o a_o half_a viz._n two_o within_o the_o isle_n and_o five_o and_o a_o half_a in_o the_o territory_n of_o the_o east-angle_n â—ive_a at_o meldeburne_n three_o and_o a_o half_a at_o hernyngforde_n and_o twelve_o at_o north_n will_v for_o which_o he_o give_v in_o exchange_n lx._n hide_v in_o hertyngham_n give_v unto_o he_o by_o k._n athelstan_n bestow_v other_o thing_n for_o which_o he_o pay_v a_o hundred_o pound_n as_o also_o a_o cross_n of_o gold_n beautify_v with_o merveilous_a work_n and_o fill_v with_o relic_n which_o the_o say_a king_n in_o confirmation_n of_o his_o say_a grant_n and_o privilege_n to_o this_o place_n have_v offer_v here_o upon_o the_o altar_n of_o s._n audrey_n with_o a_o admirable_a book_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a that_o this_o devout_a bishop_n give_v to_o god_n and_o s._n audrey_n within_o this_o isle_n marsh_n and_o fenk_n be_v no_o less_o than_o lx._n hide_v and_o to_o these_o concession_n do_v the_o same_o k._n edgar_n add_v the_o grant_n of_o xl_o hide_v of_o land_n lie_v in_o the_o town_n of_o hatfeilde_n and_o moreover_o give_v to_o the_o say_a bishop_n the_o manor_n of_o sudburne_n upon_o condition_n that_o he_o will_v translate_v the_o rule_n of_o s._n benedict_n out_o of_o latin_a into_o english_a which_o he_o do_v and_o offer_v it_o to_o s._n audrey_n and_o last_o bestow_v on_o the_o say_a church_n his_o garment_n of_o fine_a purple_a make_v aâ—ter_v the_o fashion_n of_o a_o coat_n of_o mail_n and_o wrought_v throughout_o with_o pure_a gold_n whereof_o a_o mitre_n be_v make_v and_o out_o of_o his_o own_o chapel_n several_a little_a chest_n and_o scroll_n with_o the_o relic_n of_o divers_a saint_n cap._n xl._o have_v now_o do_v with_o this_o second_o foundation_n of_o the_o say_a monastery_n so_o make_v by_o that_o devout_a bishop_n as_o have_v be_v observe_v i_o must_v not_o forget_v the_o gift_n of_o staney_n thereunto_o this_o be_v bestow_v b._n on_o it_o by_o the_o before_o mention_v wulstan_n de_fw-fr delham_n who_o have_v it_o with_o the_o fen_n belong_v thereto_o of_o the_o grant_n of_o one_o aescuen_n a_o widow_n which_o fen_n the_o monk_n afterward_o dimise_v for_o the_o rent_n of_o two_o thousand_o eel_n unto_o a_o certain_a kinsman_n of_o the_o say_v aescuen_n who_o have_v be_v tenant_n to_o it_o former_o and_o continue_v so_o likewise_o during_o the_o life_n of_o the_o say_a king_n edgar_n do_v at_o length_n hold_v it_o as_o their_o own_o without_o any_o sentence_n or_o law_n of_o the_o citizen_n and_o hundreder_n upon_o complaint_n make_v therefore_o of_o this_o injury_n to_o aegelwine_v the_o alderman_n who_o be_v then_o chief_a justice_n to_o the_o king_n over_o all_o england_n the_o say_a aegelwine_n come_v to_o ely_n and_o summon_v reigmund_n de_fw-fr holland_n and_o the_o rest_n that_o so_o hold_v it_o to_o come_v before_o he_o to_o answer_v the_o sameâ—_n but_o they_o though_o often_o warn_v refuse_v to_o appear_v nevertheless_o the_o say_a abbot_n continue_v his_o suit_n and_o renew_v his_o complaint_n to_o the_o people_n for_o that_o wrong_n upon_o all_o occasion_n at_o length_n the_o say_a alderman_n sit_v at_o cambridge_n there_o be_v a_o great_a court_n of_o those_o citizen_n and_o hundreder_n before_o xxiii_o judge_n hold_v under_o a_o câ—rtain_a place_n calledâ—_n thirningfeld_n near_a maideneberge_n where_o the_o abbot_n declare_v open_o to_o they_o all_o how_o unjust_o the_o say_v reimund_n and_o the_o rest_n have_v deal_v with_o he_o in_o dispossess_v s._n audrey_n of_o this_o staneye_n and_o how_o that_o they_o will_v never_o appear_v though_o frequent_o summon_v whereupon_o the_o judge_n decree_v that_o the_o before_o specify_v abbot_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o same_o again_o as_o also_o the_o whole_a fen_n and_o fish_n and_o moreover_o that_o he_o the_o say_v reigmund_n and_o the_o other_o defendant_n shall_v pay_v to_o the_o same_o abbot_n the_o arrear_n of_o fish_n due_a for_o six_o year_n and_o likewise_o give_v a_o forfeiture_n to_o the_o king_n and_o that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o free_o do_v so_o they_o shall_v be_v distrain_v by_o their_o cattle_n and_o thereupon_o also_o do_v the_o say_a alderman_n command_v that_o oskytel_n and_o osmund_n bece_n with_o a_o godere_fw-mi de_fw-fr ely_n shall_v perambulate_v that_o land_n and_o put_v the_o abbot_n in_o possession_n thereof_o who_o do_v according_o of_o the_o before_o specify_v abbot_n brithnod_n i_o also_o find_v b._n that_o by_o his_o care_n and_o industry_n the_o limit_n of_o this_o isle_n be_v first_o set_v forth_o viz._n b._n from_o cotingelade_v to_o litleport_n or_o abbot_n delfe_n since_o call_v bishop_n delfe_n be_v in_o length_n seven_o mile_n and_o from_o cherche_fw-fr be_v to_o straham_n mere_a in_o breadth_n four_o within_o which_o compass_n divers_a petty_a isle_n be_v include_v moreover_o as_o a_o member_n thereof_o though_o lie_v without_o this_o circumference_n be_v dudintone_n as_o also_o chateriz_n where_o be_v a_o house_n of_o nun_n with_o the_o town_n of_o wittlesey_n and_o abbey_n of_o thorney_n which_o abbot_n call_v together_o the_o inhabitant_n on_o every_o part_n thereof_o assign_v supâ—â—_n they_o their_o several_a portion_n of_o land_n and_o for_o a_o perpetual_a evidence_n of_o the_o possession_n belong_v to_o his_o church_n he_o cause_v that_o large_a and_o deep_a ditch_n to_o be_v cut_v through_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o fenn_n which_o be_v then_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o abbot_n delfe_n as_o i_o have_v observe_v to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v remain_v as_o a_o boundary_a in_o that_o deep_a mud_n and_o water_n this_o monastery_n be_v therefore_o so_o ample_o endow_v with_o land_n and_o otherwise_o rich_o beautify_v through_o the_o bounty_n of_o many_o zealous_a people_n who_o then_o think_v nothing_o too_o much_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o his_o service_n and_o grow_v more_o famon_n every_o day_n than_o other_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v do_v at_o the_o tomb_n of_o that_o renown_a virgin_n s._n audrey_n multitude_n of_o people_n for_o devotions_n sake_n flock_v thither_o it_o happen_v that_o about_o fifty_o year_n after_o king_n canutus_n a_o prince_n of_o great_a wisdom_n valour_n and_o pâ—ety_n be_v desirous_a together_o with_o queen_n emma_n his_o wife_n and_o the_o noble_n of_o this_o realm_n to_o keep_v the_o feast_n of_o the_o purification_n of_o our_o lady_n
the_o king_n discern_v that_o all_o his_o endeavour_n be_v fruitless_a as_o to_o the_o conquer_a this_o isle_n by_o war_n or_o power_n have_v lose_v so_o many_o man_n in_o his_o attempt_n to_o that_o purpose_n he_o at_o length_n by_o the_o council_n a._n of_o william_n than_o bishop_n of_o hereford_n and_o other_o determine_v that_o all_o the_o good_n and_o possession_n belong_v to_o that_o abbey_n which_o lie_v without_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o isle_n shall_v be_v seize_v on_o and_o divide_v among_o his_o soldier_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v keep_v guard_n on_o the_o outside_n thereof_o of_o which_o the_o monk_n have_v knowledge_n they_o forthwith_o consult_v together_o their_o abbot_n be_v return_v who_o dissemble_v to_o go_v with_o those_o earl_n flee_v with_o the_o ornament_n and_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n to_o angerhale_v and_o resolve_v ibid._n not_o only_o to_o yield_v peaceable_o to_o the_o king_n in_o case_n he_o will_v restore_v unto_o they_o free_o and_o honourable_o all_o the_o land_n belong_v to_o their_o church_n but_o to_o give_v he_o a_o thousand_o mark_n and_o according_o send_v cunning_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o noble_a hereward_n to_o make_v that_o tender_a to_o he_o the_o king_n be_v ibid._n then_o at_o warwick_n who_o acceptable_o entertain_v it_o they_o give_v admission_n supra_fw-la to_o he_o and_o his_o soldier_n to_o come_v private_o into_o the_o isle_n when_o hereward_n be_v go_v out_o with_o his_o man_n to_o forage_v to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o business_n may_v be_v do_v without_o resistance_n which_o be_v discover_v to_o hereward_n by_o one_o of_o the_o say_a monk_n who_o name_n be_v alwyne_v the_o son_n of_o orgar_n he_o grow_v so_o enrage_v that_o he_o resolve_v to_o set_v fire_n on_o the_o church_n and_o the_o town_n but_o at_o the_o earnest_a entreaty_n and_o prayer_n of_o that_o monk_n wish_v he_o rather_o to_o have_v regard_n to_o his_o own_o safety_n as_o also_o tell_v he_o that_o the_o king_n with_o all_o his_o army_n be_v then_o at_o wyccheford_n within_o the_o distance_n of_o one_o furlong_n and_o desire_v he_o that_o he_o will_v secure_v himself_o by_o flight_n in_o case_n he_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o make_v his_o peace_n he_o yield_v to_o those_o his_o persuasion_n because_o he_o have_v often_o accompany_v he_o in_o his_o military_a adventure_n and_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o and_o thereupon_o present_o betake_v himself_o to_o those_o his_o ship_n which_o he_o have_v to_o guard_v the_o isle_n into_o a_o certain_a large_a and_o spacious_a mere_a call_v wide_o not_o far_o from_o welle_v this_o be_v the_o seven_o year_n of_o their_o so_o hold_v of_o the_o same_o isle_n against_o the_o king_n and_o sail_v thither_o in_o regard_n there_o be_v free_a passage_n out_o of_o it_o and_o there_o resolve_v to_o stay_v a_o while_n employ_v some_o of_o his_o soldier_n towards_o saham_n to_o plunder_v and_o pillage_v the_o country_n to_o who_o he_o send_v out_o scout_n to_o bring_v they_o back_o to_o he_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v take_v which_o scout_n find_v they_o in_o a_o little_a island_n call_v stuntney_n think_v they_o to_o be_v their_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o two_o of_o they_o viz._n scarfulte_n and_o broher_n get_v among_o the_o reed_n and_o with_o their_o sword_n each_o shave_v the_o other_o crown_n expect_v thereby_o to_o find_v the_o more_o favour_n be_v take_v but_o at_o length_n discover_v that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o a_o side_n they_o go_v away_o together_o and_o soon_o get_v to_o their_o master_n who_o have_v not_o be_v long_o in_o the_o say_v mere_a but_o that_o the_o country_n people_n and_o the_o king_n soldier_n so_o beset_v he_o that_o be_v force_v to_o flee_v he_o kill_v his_o own_o horse_n lest_o any_o mean_a fellow_n shall_v boast_v that_o he_o have_v take_v he_o and_o so_o get_v away_o into_o bruneswald_n and_o the_o great_a wood_n of_o northamptonshire_n he_o very_o much_o waste_v the_o country_n thereabouts_o with_o sire_n and_o sword_n and_o have_v thus_o leave_v this_o isle_n where_o the_o vastness_n and_o depth_n of_o the_o water_n have_v yield_v he_o such_o great_a and_o so_o long_a security_n for_o which_o respect_n i_o have_v make_v this_o digression_n i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o this_o characterâ—_n which_o ingulphus_n the_o then_o venerable_a abbot_n of_o crouland_n give_v bâ—â—_n of_o he_o porro_fw-la cum_fw-la supramemorati_fw-la comites_fw-la edwinus_fw-la &_o morkerus_fw-la rogerus_fw-la comes_fw-la herefordensis_fw-la radulfus_n come_v southfolciae_fw-la &_o waldevus_fw-la comes_fw-la northumbriae_fw-la inclytâ—_n regi_fw-la willielmo_n repugnarent_fw-la helienses_n paludes_fw-la cum_fw-la aliis_fw-la multis_fw-la magnatibus_fw-la similiter_fw-la exhaeredatis_fw-la occupantes_fw-la celiri_fw-la nuncio_n herwardus_fw-la ad_fw-la eos_fw-la accersitus_fw-la dux_n belli_fw-la &_o magister_fw-la militum_fw-la efficitur_fw-la ubi_fw-la tot_fw-la bellica_fw-la facinora_fw-la fecit_fw-la toties_fw-la adversarios_fw-la vicit_fw-la tot_fw-la vicibus_fw-la illusit_fw-la quod_fw-la perpetuam_fw-la laudem_fw-la meruit_fw-la quip_n qui_fw-la ruinas_fw-la suae_fw-la patriae_fw-la pereuntis_fw-la quamdiu_fw-la potuit_fw-la sustentavit_fw-la &_o inultos_fw-la abire_fw-la ad_fw-la inferos_fw-la non_fw-la permisit_fw-la caeteri_fw-la optimates_fw-la se_fw-la regi_fw-la dedentes_fw-la ejus_fw-la gratiam_fw-la tentaverunt_fw-la solus_fw-la hic_fw-la omnibus_fw-la hoc_fw-la recusans_fw-la se_fw-la subdere_fw-la distulit_fw-la ac_fw-la aliâs_fw-la divertitâ—_n id_fw-la est_fw-la therefore_o when_o the_o before_o mention_v earl_n edwine_n and_o morkere_o roger_n earl_n of_o hereford_n ralph_n earl_n of_o suffolk_n and_o waltheof_n earl_n of_o northumberland_n not_o submit_v to_o the_o king_n have_v together_o with_o divers_a other_o great_a man_n in_o like_a sort_n disherit_v possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o fen_n at_o ely_n they_o forthwith_o send_v for_o hereward_n and_o make_v he_o general_n of_o all_o their_o force_n where_o he_o do_v so_o many_o warlike_a exploit_n so_o often_o beat_v his_o adversary_n and_o so_o many_o time_n delude_v they_o that_o he_o obtain_v last_v renown_n for_o the_o same_o forasmuch_o as_o he_o do_v so_o long_o as_o he_o can_v sustain_v the_o totter_a ruin_n of_o his_o country_n and_o be_v not_o cruel_a to_o his_o enemy_n and_o when_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o noble_n render_v themselves_o in_o hope_n of_o the_o king_n favour_n he_o only_o refuse_v will_v not_o submit_v but_o get_v away_o yet_o afterward_o he_o make_v his_o peace_n and_o have_v issue_n one_o only_a daughter_n call_v turfride_n marry_v 1653._o to_o hugh_n de_fw-fr evermuè_fw-fr lord_n of_o depe_v in_o lincolnshire_n with_o the_o forest_n adjoin_v entertain_v the_o say_a hugh_n upon_o a_o time_n at_o his_o house_n in_o huntendon_n it_o happen_v 1653._o that_o through_o a_o quarrel_n which_o arise_v then_o betwixt_o they_o he_o be_v there_o wretched_o slay_v by_o his_o say_a son_n in_o law_n and_o bury_v at_o crouland_n cap._n xli_o king_n william_n therefore_o be_v now_o possess_v of_o this_o isle_n which_o he_o find_v so_o troublesome_a and_o chardgable_a in_o the_o gain_n think_v it_o no_o small_a piece_n of_o policy_n to_o secure_v the_o same_o from_o the_o like_a danger_n for_o the_o future_a and_o therefore_o have_v afterward_o some_o difference_n with_o scotland_n compel_v b._n the_o abbot_n to_o maintain_v no_o less_o than_o xl_o soldier_n for_o the_o defence_n thereof_o which_o be_v such_o person_n or_o their_o substitute_n as_o hold_v of_o he_o by_o military_a service_n have_v their_o constant_a diet_n in_o his_o hall_n as_o also_o daily_o pay_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o celerer_fw-la but_o afterward_o it_o be_v not_o long_a erè_fw-la that_o this_o conventual_a church_n of_o ely_n become_v a_o cathedral_n for_o praesul_fw-la in_o the_o time_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o first_o richard_n the_o theâ—_n abbot_n not_o be_v well_o please_v to_o live_v under_o the_o bishop_n of_o lincoln_n to_o who_o diocese_n cambridgshire_n within_o which_o this_o isle_n be_v situate_a then_o belong_v suggest_v to_o the_o king_n that_o this_o will_v be_v a_o fit_a place_n for_o a_o episcopal_a see_v and_o procure_v the_o pope_n consent_n thereunto_o obtain_v his_o desire_n therein_o hope_v to_o have_v be_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o this_o new_a diocese_n but_o though_o he_o be_v prevent_v thereof_o by_o death_n yet_o do_v not_o the_o king_n neglect_v to_o do_v what_o he_o be_v so_o solicit_v unto_o and_o therefore_o bestow_v upon_o the_o bishop_n of_o lincoln_n the_o manor_n of_o spaldwick_n bricklesworth_n and_o bokeden_n in_o recompense_n of_o the_o loss_n which_o the_o say_a bishop_n sustain_v by_o exempt_n of_o the_o say_a county_n of_o cambridge_n from_o his_o jurisdiction_n complete_v his_o purpose_n therein_o and_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o the_o revenue_n of_o this_o bishopric_n may_v afford_v he_o a_o honourable_a support_n they_o reduce_v the_o number_n of_o monk_n which_o be_v lxx._n to_o xl_o whereupon_o hervaeus_n bishop_n of_o bangor_n in_o wales_n
in_o those_o bridge_n and_o ditch_n and_o they_o also_o say_v that_o the_o town_n of_o donyngton_n ought_v and_o have_v use_v to_o repair_v the_o sewer_n of_o scathegrafte_n swyneman_n dam_n and_o swain_n lade_v in_o breadth_n xuj_o foot_n and_o of_o such_o depth_n as_o that_o the_o water_n run_v to_o the_o river_n of_o byker_n and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n be_v not_o hinder_v which_o sewer_n ought_v to_o be_v open_a from_o the_o first_o day_n of_o march_n until_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n martin_n in_o winter_n and_o so_o likewise_o from_o the_o say_a feast_n of_o s._n martin_n until_o the_o first_o day_n of_o march_n except_o so_o great_a a_o inundation_n from_o the_o sea_n shall_v then_o happen_v as_o that_o the_o say_a sewer_n will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a but_o that_o the_o province_n of_o holland_n will_v be_v drown_v in_o case_n of_o which_o inundation_n that_o then_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a for_o the_o say_a town_n of_o donyngton_n to_o stop_v those_o sewer_n and_o present_o upon_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o water_n to_o open_v they_o again_o which_o say_v sewer_n be_v then_o obstruct_v through_o the_o default_n of_o the_o say_a town_n of_o donyngton_n that_o aught_o to_o have_v scour_v the_o same_o and_o the_o say_v juros_n far_a say_v that_o the_o town_n of_o byker_n ought_v to_o repair_v and_o cleanse_v the_o say_a channel_n from_o bondstake_n to_o quadring_n to_o the_o breadth_n of_o xxiiii_o foot_n and_o that_o the_o town_n of_o quadring_n with_o the_o commoner_n belong_v thereto_o aught_o to_o scour_v and_o repair_v the_o say_a channel_n unto_o gosbirkirk_n of_o the_o same_o breadth_n and_o that_o the_o town_n of_o gosberkirk_n aught_o to_o do_v the_o like_a from_o thence_o to_o the_o sea_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o the_o fresh_a water_n may_v not_o be_v hinder_v by_o the_o say_a channel_n and_o sewer_n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o stream_n of_o byker_n be_v then_o obstruct_v from_o bondstake_n to_o the_o sea_n through_o the_o default_n of_o the_o town_n of_o donyngton_n and_o quadring_n and_o the_o commoner_n of_o gosberkyrk_n who_o ought_v to_o have_v cleanse_v the_o same_o and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o the_o channel_n of_o byker_n where_o the_o dam_n be_v aught_o to_o be_v open_a throughout_o the_o whole_a year_n but_o that_o it_o will_v be_v more_o expedient_a that_o the_o town_n of_o byker_n for_o the_o particular_a commodity_n thereof_o and_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a country_n shall_v make_v a_o certain_a clow_n with_o two_o door_n each_o of_o four_o foot_n in_o breadth_n which_o clown_n to_o be_v always_o open_a except_v in_o the_o time_n of_o mighty_a flood_n from_o the_o sea_n and_o they_o also_o say_v that_o the_o gutter_n and_o sewer_n in_o quadr_v be_v then_o obstruct_v by_o the_o town_n of_o quadring_n and_o the_o commoner_n thereof_o and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o breadth_n xuj_o foot_n and_o of_o such_o depth_n that_o the_o current_n of_o the_o water_n may_v not_o be_v hinder_v as_o also_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v cleanse_v and_o repair_v by_o the_o say_a town_n and_o the_o commoner_n and_o that_o the_o sewer_n of_o gosberkyrk_n call_v risgate_n ee_n and_o the_o sluse_n betwixt_o the_o fen_n and_o the_o sewer_n which_o ought_v to_o lie_v open_a all_o the_o year_n as_o scathegrafte_n and_o swanelade_v use_v to_o do_v be_v then_o stop_v by_o the_o abbot_n of_o peterborough_n and_o town_n of_o gosberkyrk_n and_o that_o the_o town_n of_o gosberkyrk_n with_o the_o commoner_n aught_o to_o cleanse_v repair_n and_o amend_v the_o say_a sewer_n gutter_n and_o sluse_n in_o such_o place_n where_o it_o have_v ancient_o wont_a to_o be_v viz._n through_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o fen_n belong_v to_o that_o abbey_n and_o they_o say_v likewise_o that_o the_o sewer_n of_o the_o beech_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v repair_v and_o cleanse_v by_o the_o town_n of_o gosberkyrk_n hynsebek_n and_o surflâ—te_n from_o the_o fen_n unto_o surflete_a and_o thence_o to_o the_o sea_n be_v obstruct_v through_o the_o default_n of_o those_o town_n and_o that_o one_o richard_n de_fw-fr hodell_n have_v raise_v a_o bank_n in_o the_o course_n of_o the_o say_a sewer_n by_o which_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o water_n be_v hinder_v and_o they_o far_o say_v that_o the_o sewer_n of_o brigefleet_n be_v obstruct_v by_o the_o town_n of_o hekyngton_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v cleanse_v and_o repair_v by_o that_o town_n unto_o the_o river_n at_o swynesheved_a the_o channel_n there_o be_v sufficient_a to_o carry_v the_o water_n down_o to_o kyme_v mouth_n i_o where_o it_o be_v then_o stop_v by_o philip_n the_o kyme_n to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o the_o country_n and_o that_o the_o sewer_n call_v the_o encluse_n near_a boston_n aught_o to_o run_v at_o all_o time_n of_o the_o year_n and_o that_o it_o be_v stop_v every_o winter_n by_o the_o man_n of_o boston_n at_o the_o west_n end_n of_o the_o bridge_n as_o also_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v three_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v repair_v and_o maintain_v at_o the_o west_n end_n of_o the_o say_a bridge_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o boston_n and_o they_o likewise_o present_v that_o the_o sewer_n call_v hamondebek_n on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o boston_n be_v also_o obstruct_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o town_n on_o the_o west_n part_n of_o the_o say_a bridge_n and_o by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o skyrbek_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v repair_v cleanse_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o say_a inhabitant_n of_o boston_n and_o skyrbek_n in_o consideration_n whereof_o the_o say_a man_n of_o boston_n live_v at_o the_o west_n end_n of_o the_o say_a bridge_n aught_o to_o common_a in_o the_o marsh_n of_o the_o eight_o hundred_o and_o that_o the_o say_a sewer_n ought_v to_o run_v at_o all_o time_n in_o the_o year_n and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o the_o man_n of_o the_o eight_o hundred_o ought_v to_o cleanse_v the_o channel_n of_o swynesheved_a from_o blalberdeboche_n unto_o the_o north_n part_n of_o swinesheved_a town_n and_o that_o the_o say_a town_n of_o swynesheved_a aught_o to_o scour_v the_o same_o channel_n from_o thence_o unto_o the_o stream_n of_o byker_n and_o that_o the_o town_n of_o iwardeby_n and_o onsthorpe_n ought_v to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o water_n which_o run_v from_o happeltrenesse_n to_o kyme_v and_o that_o it_o be_v then_o in_o decay_n through_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o prior_n of_o haverholme_n who_o ought_v to_o repair_v a_o great_a part_n thereof_o and_o refuse_v so_o to_o do_v and_o they_o far_o say_v that_o philip_n de_fw-fr kyme_n who_o ought_v upon_o his_o own_o ground_n to_o repair_v a_o certain_a part_n of_o that_o side_n at_o the_o wathe_fw-mi mouth_n do_v fail_v in_o do_v thereof_o and_o so_o through_o the_o default_n of_o the_o say_a prior_n and_o philip_n the_o whole_a marsh_n of_o kesteven_n and_o holland_n be_v overflowen_v and_o drown_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o all_o those_o country_n and_o that_o the_o say_v philip_n do_v divert_v the_o course_n of_o that_o water_n to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o the_o country_n and_o especial_o of_o the_o prior_n of_o kyme_n and_o they_o likewise_o say_v that_o the_o prior_n of_o haverholme_n ought_v to_o find_v a_o certain_a boat_n at_o the_o both_o near_o to_o the_o wathe_fw-mi mouth_n for_o to_o carry_v over_o foot-folk_n aswell_o by_o night_n as_o day_n whensoever_o any_o one_o shall_v pass_v that_o way_n and_o that_o he_o do_v neglect_v so_o to_o do_v to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o such_o people_n that_o have_v occasion_n to_o pass_v that_o way_n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o say_a water_n be_v the_o public_a passage_n for_o all_o the_o king_n liege_n people_n from_o kesteven_n to_o the_o river_n of_o wythum_fw-la and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o the_o channel_n call_v the_o old_a he_o between_o the_o marsh_n of_o holland_n and_o the_o marsh_n of_o hekyngton_n and_o kyme_n aught_o to_o be_v repair_v and_o cleanse_v by_o the_o man_n of_o the_o eight_o hundred_o of_o holland_n on_o the_o east_n part_n and_o by_o henry_n de_fw-fr beaumond_n or_o the_o lord_n of_o hekyngton_n and_o commoner_n of_o that_o town_n and_o on_o the_o west_n part_n by_o philip_n de_fw-fr kyme_n from_o blalberdebothe_a to_o the_o water_n of_o kyme_n and_o that_o it_o be_v there_o obstruct_v by_o philip_n de_fw-fr kyme_n and_o they_o also_o say_v that_o the_o town_n of_o great_a hale_n with_o the_o commoner_n there_o aught_o to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v a_o certain_a causey_n from_o gerwyk_n to_o pyngelhyrne_n both_o for_o foot_n and_o horseman_n and_o that_o the_o beforespecify_v town_n of_o hekyngton_n with_o gerwyk_n aught_o to_o cleanse_v and_o repair_v the_o channel_n of_o gerwyk_n unto_o the_o water_n of_o
ought_v to_o cleanse_v and_o scour_v the_o sewer_n of_o stakesgraft_n swynman_n dam_n and_o swanelond_n so_o that_o the_o current_n of_o the_o water_n may_v not_o be_v hinder_v from_o the_o fen_n to_o the_o channel_n which_o carry_v it_o to_o the_o sea_n and_o they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v great_a necessity_n of_o a_o good_a bank_n for_o preservation_n of_o the_o fen_n betwixt_o depe_v and_o spalding_n from_o the_o house_n of_o john_n the_o son_n of_o simon_n of_o spalding_n to_o wodelode_n to_o be_v make_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o prior_n and_o town_n of_o spalding_n so_o that_o each_o aâ—re_n may_v be_v tax_v alike_o and_o that_o no_o hog_n may_v come_v near_o that_o bank_n nor_o any_o defensible_a bank_n in_o any_o place_n of_o holland_n nor_o the_o sewer_n therein_o by_o the_o space_n of_o half_a a_o mile_n and_o they_o last_o say_v that_o all_o the_o beforespecify_v ordinance_n be_v for_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o the_o say_a town_n in_o kesteven_n and_o holland_n and_o that_o every_o acre_n ought_v to_o be_v assess_v alike_o in_o all_o tax_n and_o cost_n for_o the_o necessary_a repair_n of_o the_o say_a gutter_n sewer_n bank_n and_o bridge_n in_o 25_o e._n 3._o there_o be_v a_o petition_n dorso_fw-la exhibit_v to_o the_o king_n and_o his_o counsel_n in_o parliament_n by_o those_o of_o these_o province_n of_o kesteven_n and_o holland_n who_o reside_v in_o the_o fen_n show_v that_o whereas_o the_o ancient_a boundary_a call_v midfen_n dike_a and_o other_o mete_n which_o go_v through_o the_o say_a fen_n from_o the_o river_n of_o weland_n to_o the_o stream_n of_o withum_fw-la which_o have_v wont_a to_o be_v the_o old_a limit_n betwixt_o these_o two_o province_n as_o by_o certain_a cross_n of_o stone_n then_o continue_v be_v very_o evident_a be_v at_o that_o time_n by_o reason_n of_o flood_n and_o other_o impediment_n so_o obscure_v that_o no_o certain_a knowledge_n can_v be_v thereof_o insomuch_o as_o great_a controversy_n and_o debate_n be_v occasion_v betwixt_o the_o inhabitant_n in_o those_o part_n upon_o execution_n of_o the_o king_n writ_n and_o otherwise_o the_o say_a king_n do_v therefore_o assign_v dorso_fw-la saier_n de_fw-fr rocheford_n alexander_n aunsell_n simon_n simeon_n will._n de_fw-fr skipwith_n thomas_n de_fw-fr sibthorpe_n and_o thomas_n the_o levelance_n to_o take_v view_n of_o the_o say_a boundary_n and_o to_o distrain_v all_o such_o person_n for_o the_o scour_n and_o cleanse_v the_o same_o who_o ought_v to_o have_v perform_v that_o work_n after_o this_o divers_a year_n viz._n in_o 41_o e._n 3._o godfrey_n fuljaumbe_a simon_n simeon_n walter_n de_fw-fr campeden_n and_o other_o be_v appoint_v to_o view_v and_o repair_v the_o bank_n sewer_n and_o ditch_n from_o bardney_n ferry_n to_o catebrig_n within_o the_o province_n of_o kesteven_n and_o within_o the_o wapentak_v of_o ellowe_n in_o the_o part_n of_o holland_n upon_o a_o plead_n linc._n in_o 3._o h._n 4._o i_o find_v that_o on_o will._n wyte_v of_o depe_v be_v pardon_v for_o the_o break_n down_o of_o two_o cross_n which_o have_v be_v set_v up_o betwixt_o these_o province_n of_o kesteven_n and_o holland_n by_o five_o of_o the_o king_n justice_n upon_o the_o say_v king_n appointment_n in_o 3_o h._n 5._o thomas_n le_fw-fr war_n robert_n de_fw-fr wylughby_n will._n lodingtone_n robert_n hagbecche_n geffrey_n lutterell_n john_n belle_fw-fr john_n henege_v and_o other_o be_v constitute_v dorso_fw-la commissioner_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n ditch_n and_o sewer_n in_o these_o part_n of_o kesteven_n and_o holland_n then_o in_o decay_n with_o direction_n to_o proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n ☜_o and_o the_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n as_o also_o to_o take_v such_o and_o so_o many_o workman_n and_o artificer_n upon_o competent_a wage_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v employ_v in_o that_o work_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a necessity_n for_o expedition_n therein_o the_o like_a commission_n in_o 5_o h._n 5._o have_v thomas_n duke_n of_o clarence_n gilbert_n umframvill_n william_n lodyngton_n john_n cokayn_n james_n strangways_o thomas_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr launde_n and_o other_o and_o to_o act_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o marsh_n and_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n so_o also_o in_o 26_o h._n 6._o have_v dorso_fw-la john_n viscount_n beaumond_n sir_n robert_n wylughby_n knight_n sir_n ralph_n cromwell_n knight_n sir_n leo._n welles_n knight_n nich._n dixon_n clerk_n thomas_n mery_n and_o other_o with_o direction_n to_o make_v law_n and_o ordinance_n therein_o consonant_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n and_o to_o hear_v and_o determine_v of_o all_o thing_n touch_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n as_o also_o to_o impress_v ditcher_n and_o other_o labourer_n upon_o competent_a salary_n and_o to_o employ_v they_o in_o the_o say_a work_n as_o long_o as_o there_o shall_v be_v occasion_n so_o to_o do_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a and_o imminent_a danger_n which_o may_v by_o delay_n accrue_v in_o 7_o e._n 4._o richard_n earl_n of_o warwick_n humphrey_n bourchier_n lord_n cromwell_n sir_n henry_n stafford_z knight_n sir_n thomas_n burgh_n knight_n oliver_n s._n john_n esquire_n will._n husee_fw-fr will._n coote_n and_o divers_a other_o have_v the_o like_a commission_n dorso_fw-la for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o all_o the_o bank_n and_o sewer_n etc._n etc._n from_o staunford_n in_o this_o county_n to_o dodyngton_n pigot_n and_o from_o thence_o throughout_o these_o two_o province_n to_o the_o sea_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o 34_o h._n 8._o charles_n d._n of_o suff._n rob._n dymmoke_n tho._n heneage_n john_n copledyk_n john_n hussey_n and_o rob._n tirwhit_o knight_n edw._n dymoke_n ric._n themolby_n and_o other_o esâ—uires_v then_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n in_o these_o part_n sit_v at_o donington_n decree_v 1660._o that_o the_o floudgate_n or_o sluse_n under_o boston_n bridge_n shall_v be_v repair_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o wapentake_v of_o kyrton_n and_o skirbek_n in_o holland_n for_o the_o one_o half_a and_o the_o wapentake_n of_o ellow_n and_o town_n of_o boston_n 8._o for_o the_o other_o half_a to_o be_v perform_v before_o the_o feast_n of_o all_o saint_n than_o next_o come_n in_o as_o complete_a a_o manner_n as_o it_o have_v be_v former_o do_v by_o margaret_n countess_n of_o richmund_n and_o derby_n moreover_o that_o two_o great_a sewer_n xx_o foot_n wide_a and_o 5._o foot_n deep_a shall_v be_v make_v and_o dig_v in_o the_o division_n betwixt_o kesteven_n and_o holland_n from_o the_o most_o western_a point_n at_o gotheram_n coat_n corner_n near_o the_o river_n of_o glen_n unto_o wragmere_n stake_n thence_o to_o the_o river_n of_o wythom_n at_o langrake_n where_o then_o lie_v a_o certain_a sluse_n in_o the_o say_a river_n so_o as_o the_o say_a sewer_n and_o watercourse_n be_v noâ—_n above_o xxxvi_o foot_n one_o from_o the_o other_o until_o they_o come_v to_o wragmere_n stake_n and_o that_o the_o menure_n shall_v be_v cast_v betwixt_o the_o say_a sewer_n to_o raise_v a_o firm_a bank_n and_o from_o wragmere_n stake_n both_o sewer_n to_o run_v in_o one_o channel_n of_o thirty_o foot_n broad_a in_o a_o direct_a line_n leave_v the_o division_n of_o those_o country_n to_o gilsyke_n to_o go_v whole_o in_o the_o eight_o hundred_o fen_n of_o holland_n and_o that_o the_o say_v sewer_n from_o the_o river_n of_o glen_n to_o wytham_n so_o intend_v from_o the_o south_n to_o the_o north_n shall_v â—all_n into_o enter_v and_o go_v through_o all_o the_o load_n and_o drayne_n in_o the_o fen_n aforesaid_a which_o come_v out_o of_o the_o part_n of_o kesteven_n to_o hamond_n beck_n alias_o holland_n fen_n dyke_n to_o the_o end_n that_o all_o the_o water_n go_v together_o may_v the_o better_o run_v within_o its_o own_o brink_n and_o channel_n and_o the_o soon_o come_v to_o the_o sluse_n at_o skirbek_n goat_n and_o the_o new_a goat_n by_o that_o decree_n intend_v and_o that_o those_o sewer_n shall_v be_v make_v in_o manner_n follow_v and_o in_o place_n hereafter_o name_v viz._n first_o from_o the_o say_a place_n call_v gotheramscote_n unto_o nestilholm_n corner_n by_o a_o right_a line_n on_o the_o outside_n of_o nestilholme_n aforesaid_a where_o the_o hearth_n stead_n be_v and_o the_o limit_n divyde_v holland_n and_o kesteven_n and_o that_o the_o say_a sewer_n shall_v come_v as_o near_o to_o the_o corner_n aforesaid_a as_o may_v be_v so_o that_o it_o enter_v not_o into_o the_o dyke_n of_o nestilholm_n aforesaid_a and_o that_o the_o say_v sewer_n shall_v be_v make_v from_o the_o place_n to_o the_o place_n aforesaid_a on_o the_o westside_n within_o the_o several_a township_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o burne_n cum_fw-la membris_fw-la moreton_n cum_fw-la membris_fw-la haconby_n cum_fw-la membris_fw-la
the_o say_v depe_v fen_n and_o thereby_o to_o adjudge_v and_o order_n aswell_o from_o his_o majesty_n be_v lord_n of_o the_o soil_n as_o from_o the_o adventurer_n and_o other_o interest_v therein_o such_o proportion_n of_o land_n as_o may_v sufficient_o bear_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o work_n and_o that_o because_o his_o majesty_n intend_v to_o see_v that_o great_a work_n of_o the_o whole_a level_n prosecute_v according_a to_o his_o first_o princely_a design_n it_o be_v for_o the_o country_n good_a and_o his_o own_o service_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o may_v have_v just_a regard_n to_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o same_o with_o most_o public_a and_o general_a advantage_n to_o the_o whole_a fen_n he_o be_v far_o please_v to_o declare_v himself_o the_o sole_a adventurer_n aswell_o of_o this_o particular_a fen_n call_v depe_v fen_n as_o of_o the_o whole_a great_a level_n and_o that_o he_o will_v afterward_o in_o order_v the_o same_o have_v a_o just_a respect_n unto_o such_o person_n of_o honour_n and_o other_o as_o have_v any_o former_a interest_n or_o engagement_n therein_o to_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n i_o find_v by_o a_o law_n of_o sewer_n pettibag_n make_v at_o st._n ives_n the_o xuth_o of_o october_n 17_o caroli_n that_o the_o commissioner_n therein_o recite_v that_o whereas_o the_o earl_n of_o exeter_n have_v a_o three_o part_n of_o this_o depe_a fen_n as_o also_o of_o spalding_n and_o pinchbek_n fen_n and_o of_o gogsland_n belong_v to_o crouland_n by_o contract_n make_v with_o captain_n thomas_n lovel_n for_o drayn_v of_o the_o say_a fen_n which_o be_v not_o perform_v the_o say_a fen_n do_v then_o remain_v drown_v they_o then_o decree_v that_o the_o say_v fen_n shall_v be_v survey_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o sir_n william_n ayloff_n jac._n and_o sir_n anthony_n thomas_n undertaker_n and_o six_o commissioner_n of_o holland_n and_o kesteven_n and_o a_o moiety_n assign_v to_o the_o say_a sir_n william_n and_o sir_n anthony_n and_o their_o heir_n in_o recompense_n of_o their_o charge_n for_o drayn_v thereof_o and_o two_o three_o of_o all_o the_o ground_n surround_v lie_v in_o spalding_n and_o weston_n call_v bellesmore_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o sir_n francis_n jones_n knight_n and_o two_o part_n of_o the_o ground_n call_v turpitt_v lie_v in_o weston_n aforesaid_a and_o a_o four_o part_n of_o the_o ground_n call_v east_n fen_n lie_v in_o moulton_n and_o in_o quaplode_n and_o holbeche_n the_o one_o half_a after_o which_o divers_a gentleman_n who_o name_n be_v express_v in_o the_o map_n here_o exhibit_v become_v adventurer_n for_o the_o exsiccation_n thereof_o and_o in_o order_n thereto_o cause_v the_o river_n of_o welland_n from_o waldram_n hall_n to_o spalding_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o out-fall_a to_o be_v make_v wide_a and_o deep_o the_o drain_v call_v the_o staker_n drain_v about_o xx_o foot_n in_o breadth_n for_o to_o ease_v the_o river_n of_o glen_n together_o with_o hill_n drayne_n and_o uernat_n drayne_n they_o likewise_o make_v new_a and_o perfect_v exeter_n drayne_n from_o cubbet_n tunnel_n almost_o to_o the_o sea_n near_o spalding_n they_o also_o erect_v a_o great_a fluce_n and_o make_v all_o the_o partition_n dike_v in_o such_o sort_n as_o the_o map_n show_v by_o which_o work_v the_o water_n be_v so_o well_o take_v off_o that_o in_o summer_n this_o whole_a fen_n yield_v great_a store_n of_o grass_n and_o hay_n and_o have_v be_v make_v winter_n ground_n in_o a_o short_a time_n but_o that_o the_o country_n people_n take_v advantage_n of_o the_o confusion_n throughout_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n which_o ensue_v soon_o after_o the_o convention_n of_o the_o late_a long_a parliament_n as_o be_v very_o well_o know_v possess_v themselves_o thereof_o so_o that_o the_o bank_n and_o sewer_n be_v neglect_v by_o the_o adventurer_n it_o become_v again_o overflow_v and_o so_o remain_v at_o this_o time_n cap._n xliv_o how_o the_o great_a part_n of_o this_o province_n be_v at_o first_o gain_v from_o the_o sea_n i_o have_v already_o in_o the_o chapter_n of_o this_o my_o discourse_n brief_o manifest_v that_o therefore_o which_o now_o remain_v to_o be_v speak_v in_o reference_n to_o it_o shall_v be_v touch_v the_o far_a improvement_n thereof_o by_o drayn_v and_o bank_v and_o the_o support_n of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o that_o kind_n before_o wherein_o i_o purpose_v to_o begin_v with_o crouland_n make_v famous_a of_o old_a by_o s._n guthlake_n a_o holy_a hermit_n who_o near_o a_o thousand_o year_n since_o for_o devotions_n sake_n betake_v himself_o hither_o as_o to_o a_o place_n of_o the_o great_a solitude_n how_o terrible_a and_o hideous_a the_o part_n hereabout_o then_o be_v consider_v the_o vastness_n of_o the_o fen_n i_o need_v not_o to_o make_v far_a relation_n have_v elsewhere_o jac._n so_o full_o discourse_v of_o they_o i_o shall_v now_o therefore_o brief_o point_v at_o what_o be_v most_o memorable_a touch_v the_o same_o in_o order_n to_o my_o present_a purpose_n after_o the_o death_n of_o this_o pious_a man_n s._n guthlake_n ethelbald_n then_o king_n of_o mercia_n who_o confessor_n b._n he_o have_v be_v discern_v how_o renown_v he_o grow_v for_o sundry_a miracle_n seek_v out_o his_o sepulture_n and_o have_v send_v for_o a_o monk_n of_o evesham_n call_v kenulph_n who_o be_v then_o eminent_a for_o his_o holy_a life_n as_o also_o consult_v with_o he_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o a_o covent_n do_v in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n dccxvi_o begin_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o goodly_a monastery_n in_o this_o place_n which_o he_o endow_v with_o the_o whole_a isle_n of_o crouland_n bound_v a._n with_o these_o water_n viz._n schepishee_n towards_o the_o east_n nene_n towards_o the_o west_n south_n i_o on_o the_o south_n and_o asendik_n to_o the_o north_n where_o the_o common_a sewer_n than_o be_v betwixt_o spalding_n and_o the_o say_a isle_n which_o tract_n of_o ground_n contain_v four_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o three_o in_o breadth_n and_o whereunto_o belong_v those_o large_a adjacent_a fen_n opposite_a to_o the_o say_a isle_n on_o the_o west_n part_n lie_v on_o each_o side_n the_o river_n of_o weland_n that_o towards_o the_o north_n call_v goggislond_n extend_v two_o mile_n in_o length_n from_o crouland_n bridge_n to_o asaph_n where_o the_o entrance_n into_o the_o isle_n be_v and_o one_o mile_n in_o breadth_n viz._n from_o the_o river_n of_o weland_n on_o the_o south_n side_n thereof_o unto_o apenholt_n on_o the_o north_n to_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o water_n the_o other_o part_n of_o that_o fen_n lie_v southwards_o of_o the_o say_a stream_n of_o weland_n contain_v also_o two_o mile_n in_o length_n from_o crouland_n bridge_n to_o southlake_n near_o the_o channel_n opposite_a to_o aspath_n have_v two_o mile_n also_o in_o breadth_n viz._n from_o the_o say_a river_n of_o weland_n to_o fynsâ—tt_n on_o the_o verge_n of_o the_o river_n nene_n which_o be_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o same_o fen._n and_o because_o 20._o the_o ground_n whereon_o the_o king_n design_v to_o erect_v this_o abbey_n be_v so_o moist_a and_o fenny_a that_o it_o can_v not_o of_o itself_o bear_v a_o build_n of_o stone_n he_o bring_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o mighty_a pile_n make_v of_o oak_n and_o alder_n which_o he_o cause_v to_o be_v drive_v deep_a into_o the_o ground_n as_o also_o a_o great_a proportion_n of_o firm_a and_o hard_a earth_n dig_v nine_o mile_n thence_o and_o upon_o those_o he_o raise_v that_o structure_n that_o oratory_n which_o s._n guthlake_n have_v there_o be_v only_o of_o timber_n and_o now_o though_o i_o have_v already_o point_v at_o the_o extent_n of_o this_o isle_n from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o before-specified_n charter_n of_o king_n ethelbald_n nevertheless_o because_o i_o find_v it_o afterward_o more_o exact_o set_v forth_o by_o the_o confirmation_n of_o other_o king_n and_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o place_n therein_o express_v may_v give_v a_o clear_a light_n unto_o what_o i_o be_o to_o say_v of_o thâ—se_a fenny_a part_n i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o two_o other_o description_n of_o the_o say_a boundary_n that_o first_o whereof_o be_v by_o bertulph_n king_n of_o mercia_n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n dcccli_o viz._n aâ—_n from_o aswicktost_a hirne_n to_o tedwarthar_n the_o water_n of_o schâ—pishâ—e_n have_v the_o say_a isle_n on_o the_o west_n part_n and_o the_o fen_n of_o cappelade_v on_o the_o east_n and_o from_o tedwarthar_n to_o namans_n land_n hirne_n the_o water_n of_o the_o south_n i_fw-mi bound_v it_o have_v the_o same_o isle_n on_o the_o north_n thereof_o and_o the_o wood_n of_o ancarig_n id_fw-la est_fw-la thorney_n on_o the_o south_n and_o from_o namans_n land_n hirne_n to_o crouland_n bridge_n the_o river_n of_o nene_n be_v the_o limit_n thereof_o have_v the_o say_a isle_n on_o the_o east_n part_n and_o the_o fen_n call_v alderlound_n on_o the_o west_n and_o from_o
shall_v continue_v where_o it_o then_o run_v in_o 11_o e._n 1._o there_o be_v a_o commission_n dorso_fw-la issue_v unto_o n._n de_fw-fr stapelton_n w._n de_fw-fr brumpton_n and_o e._n de_fw-fr bekingham_n to_o inquire_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o honest_a and_o lawful_a man_n of_o this_o county_n whether_o the_o abbot_n of_o croyland_n or_o prior_n of_o spalding_n ought_v to_o repair_v certain_a bridge_n gutter_n bank_n and_o ditch_n in_o those_o part_n concern_v which_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o dorso_fw-la in_o 10_o e._n 3._o there_o be_v a_o petition_n exhibit_v to_o the_o king_n and_o his_o council_n in_o parliament_n set_v forth_o the_o many_o peril_n and_o loss_n which_o have_v befall_v several_a man_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o ill_a way_n betwixt_o crouland_n and_o spalding_n as_o also_o that_o great_a mischief_n be_v like_a to_o happen_v thereby_o unless_o by_o the_o repair_n of_o those_o way_n a_o remedy_n be_v speedy_o use_v and_o that_o all_o those_o danger_n and_o loss_n may_v well_o be_v avoid_v in_o case_n there_o be_v a_o new_a causey_n make_v betwixt_o the_o say_a town_n of_o crouland_n and_o a_o place_n call_v the_o brother_n house_n by_o the_o say_a abbot_n upon_o his_o own_o proper_a ground_n for_o the_o make_n and_o repair_v whereof_o he_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o his_o successor_n be_v to_o take_v a_o certain_a custom_n of_o all_o person_n travel_v that_o way_n the_o say_a king_n therefore_o much_o affect_v the_o safeguard_n and_o ease_v of_o his_o people_n and_o for_o that_o respect_n desire_v to_o be_v certify_v whether_o the_o say_a abbot_n will_v be_v willing_a to_o undertake_v the_o make_n and_o repair_v of_o such_o a_o causey_n or_o not_o and_o if_o so_o then_o how_o and_o in_o what_o sort_n direct_v his_o precept_n to_o he_o require_v his_o answer_n thereto_o whereupon_o the_o abbot_n by_o his_o letter_n signify_v to_o the_o king_n that_o the_o distance_n betwixt_o the_o great_a bridge_n within_o the_o town_n of_o crouland_n and_o the_o say_a place_n call_v brotherhouse_n within_o which_o space_n these_o danger_n in_o passage_n be_v be_v no_o less_o than_o three_o mile_n and_o in_o a_o fenny_a soil_n upon_o the_o one_o side_n of_o the_o river_n weland_n where_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o lowness_n of_o the_o ground_n in_o a_o moorish_a earth_n it_o will_v be_v a_o difficult_a matter_n to_o make_v a_o causey_n fit_a and_o durable_a for_o passenger_n because_o it_o can_v not_o be_v make_v otherwise_o than_o upon_o the_o brink_n of_o that_o river_n where_o there_o be_v so_o much_o water_n in_o winter_n time_n that_o it_o cover_v the_o ground_n a_o ell_n and_o a_o half_a in_o depth_n and_o in_o a_o tempestuous_a wind_n two_o ell_n at_o which_o time_n the_o ground_n on_o the_o side_n of_o that_o river_n upon_o the_o brink_n whereof_o the_o say_a causey_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v be_v often_o break_v by_o bargeman_n and_o mariner_n and_o by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o wind_n so_o tear_v away_o as_o that_o the_o earth_n be_v diminish_v and_o waste_v so_o that_o in_o case_n a_o causey_n shall_v be_v there_o make_v it_o will_v in_o a_o short_a time_n be_v consume_v and_o waste_v away_o by_o the_o power_n of_o those_o wind_n except_o it_o be_v raise_v very_o high_a and_o broad_a and_o defend_v by_o some_o mean_n against_o such_o danger_n and_o that_o for_o the_o safeguard_n and_o ease_v of_o passenger_n aswell_o on_o that_o side_n the_o say_a river_n of_o weland_n within_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o town_n of_o crouland_n as_o overthwart_v the_o same_o causey_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v make_v many_o high_a and_o strong_a bridge_n which_o will_v require_v no_o little_a charge_n to_o the_o end_n that_o load_v barge_n and_o boat_n may_v pass_v under_o they_o and_o that_o may_v serve_v for_o necessary_a sewer_n over_o which_o bridge_n load_v cart_n horse_n and_o other_o might_n also_o travel_v and_o for_o the_o support_v of_o this_o great_a charge_n ever_o barge_n pass_v that_o way_n in_o a_o tempestuous_a time_n shall_v pay_v xiid._o every_o load_v cart_n xijd._o every_o load_v horse_n vi_o penny_n every_o man_n carry_v a_o burden_n iid._o every_o horse_n not_o load_v iij_o every_o man_n single_o go_v that_o way_n i_o d._n and_o for_o cattle_n and_o other_o thing_n carry_v by_o water_n more_o or_o less_o as_o shall_v be_v agree_v with_o the_o boat-man_n and_o in_o great_a storm_n and_o flood_n double_a to_o what_o be_v before_o express_v to_o be_v pay_v for_o all_o carriage_n by_o water_n that_o way_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o make_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o say_a causey_n be_v like_a to_o be_v so_o chardgable_a in_o respect_n of_o its_o length_n height_n and_o thickness_n with_o necessary_a bridge_n as_o aforesaid_a the_o say_a abbot_n propose_v then_o to_o the_o king_n whether_o he_o will_v please_v to_o grant_v unto_o he_o and_o his_o monastery_n for_o to_o undergo_v the_o same_o such_o a_o custom_n for_o the_o space_n of_o seven_o year_n of_o every_o passenger_n aswell_o by_o land_n as_o water_n travail_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o lordship_n of_o crouland_n as_o may_v be_v suitable_a to_o such_o a_o work_n though_o such_o custom_n do_v not_o exceed_v the_o one_o half_a of_o what_o passenger_n do_v at_o that_o time_n pay_v and_o after_o those_o seven_o year_n shall_v be_v expire_v a_o certain_a lesser_a custom_n apportion_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o such_o necessary_a maintenance_n and_o repair_v thereof_o and_o that_o in_o case_n the_o king_n will_v so_o do_v that_o then_o he_o will_v do_v his_o best_a endeavour_n to_o make_v and_o maintain_v the_o say_v causey_n and_o bridge_n which_o answer_n of_o the_o say_a abbot_n have_v no_o reply_n make_v thereto_o for_o the_o space_n of_o two_o year_n after_o but_o then_o the_o parliament_n again_o sit_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o kesteven_n and_o holland_n exhibit_v a_o petition_n ibid._n to_o the_o king_n whereby_o they_o humble_o beseech_v he_o that_o for_o the_o safety_n and_o advantage_n of_o themselves_o and_o other_o passenger_n he_o will_v take_v the_o answer_n of_o the_o before-specified_n abbot_n into_o consideration_n and_o do_v what_o shall_v be_v meet_v therein_o whereupon_o the_o say_a king_n much_o regard_v the_o safety_n and_o welfare_n of_o his_o people_n and_o therefore_o desire_v for_o the_o better_a performance_n of_o the_o work_n to_o be_v more_o full_o certify_v touch_v the_o premise_n assign_v robert_n de_fw-fr colevill_n adam_n de_fw-fr limbergh_n john_n de_fw-fr ros_fw-fr humphrey_n de_fw-fr litlebury_n will._n de_fw-fr bayeux_n and_o ranulph_n de_fw-fr paris_n to_o inquire_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o honest_a and_o lawful_a man_n of_o this_o country_n what_o manner_n of_o custom_n and_o how_o much_o the_o bargeman_n and_o boat-man_n do_v then_o receive_v aswell_o for_o man_n as_o cattle_n and_o have_v to_o that_o time_n usual_o receive_v and_o who_o ought_v to_o make_v that_o way_n and_o take_v the_o benefit_n thereof_o as_o also_o upon_o who_o soil_n on_o both_o side_n the_o barge_n and_o boat_n have_v use_v to_o land_n and_o who_o the_o whole_a passage_n be_v and_o moreover_o what_o and_o how_o much_o custom_n will_v be_v requisite_a for_o the_o say_a abbot_n to_o take_v for_o the_o space_n of_o seven_o year_n in_o consideration_n of_o his_o charge_n in_o make_v the_o same_o causey_n and_o bridges_n upon_o his_o own_o proper_a soil_n and_o how_o much_o after_o those_o seven_o year_n be_v expire_v to_o maintain_v they_o in_o repair_n as_o also_o how_o many_o causey_n and_o bridge_n and_o of_o what_o length_n breadth_n height_n and_o thickness_n each_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o the_o more_o safe_a and_o substantial_a benefit_n of_o passenger_n and_o last_o whether_o it_o will_v be_v of_o any_o damage_n to_o the_o say_a king_n or_o other_o if_o he_o do_v grant_v to_o the_o say_a abbot_n such_o custom_n as_o aforesaid_a for_o the_o consideration_n above_o specify_v but_o what_o be_v do_v therein_o i_o find_v not_o memorandum_n ann_n that_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o abbey_n of_o crouland_n until_o the_o day_n of_o sir_n john_n wake_v who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o edward_n the_o second_o and_o edward_n the_o three_o king_n of_o england_n nothing_o be_v do_v against_o the_o abbey_n of_o crouland_n for_o raise_v of_o a_o bank_n in_o the_o marsh_n of_o gokesland_n in_o holland_n but_o in_o the_o time_n of_o thomas_n wake_n the_o son_n of_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n the_o say_a bank_n be_v make_v and_o so_o the_o abbot_n of_o crouland_n then_o make_v that_o bank_n from_o kenulphston_n to_o crouland_n hyrn_v alius_fw-la dyke_n end_n from_o which_o place_n the_o lordship_n of_o depe_v begin_v and_o continue_v to_o woo_v lade_v until_o the_o time_n of_o john_n duke_n of_o somerset_n and_o then_o the_o
throw_v down_o in_o divers_a place_n as_o it_o be_v very_o lawful_a for_o he_o to_o do_v and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o cast_v down_o any_o causey_n else_o therefore_o both_o himself_o and_o his_o covent_n be_v dischardged_a of_o the_o beforementioned_a presentment_n in_o 40_o e._n 3._o the_o juror_n for_o divers_a hundred_o present_v 10._o before_o gilbert_n d'umfravill_v earl_n of_o anego_n and_o his_o fellow_n justice_n for_o the_o gaol_n delivery_n then_o sit_v at_o lincoln_n that_o the_o town_n of_o spalding_n ought_v to_o scour_v and_o repair_v a_o certain_a run_a river_n call_v weland_n from_o the_o house_n of_o william_n atte_v touneshende_v of_o spalding_n unto_o a_o place_n call_v brother_n house_n which_o they_o have_v not_o do_v and_o that_o by_o reason_n thereof_o great_a damage_n do_v accrue_v to_o the_o king_n liege_n people_n whereupon_o the_o shireeve_n have_v command_v to_o summon_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o spalding_n to_o answer_v this_o charge_n who_o make_v their_o appearance_n according_o by_o john_n de_fw-fr kirketon_n their_o attorney_n and_o say_v that_o the_o river_n mention_v in_o that_o presentment_n than_o be_v and_o long_o have_v be_v a_o arm_n of_o the_o sea_n whereinto_o the_o tide_n do_v ebb_n and_o flow_v twice_o in_o twenty-four_o hour_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o of_o right_a to_o cleanse_v and_o repair_v it_o nor_o ever_o have_v do_v and_o desire_v that_o the_o country_n may_v inquire_v thereof_o whereupon_o a_o jury_n be_v summon_v in_o 11_o h._n 6._o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n a._n make_v betwixt_o the_o monk_n of_o crouland_n and_o spald_v and_o sir_n will._n bonevile_n kt._n and_o elizabeth_n his_o wife_n by_o indenture_n tripartite_a touch_v the_o make_n and_o repair_v of_o divers_a bank_n in_o crouland_n aforesaid_a whereof_o one_o extend_v itself_o from_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v dovedale_n clote_z unto_o crouland_n brigg_n and_o another_o from_o the_o say_a bridge_n to_o a_o place_n call_v brotherhouse_n and_o the_o three_o call_v winter_n dyke_n in_o crouland_n aforesaid_a within_o the_o precinct_n of_o south_n i_fw-mi nene_n and_o weland_n the_o monk_n of_o spald_v and_o sir_n william_n bonevill_n with_o elizabeth_n his_o wife_n allege_v that_o the_o abbot_n of_o crouland_n and_o his_o predecessor_n have_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n use_v to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v the_o same_o and_o the_o say_a abbot_n utter_o deny_v it_o the_o tenor_n of_o which_o agreement_n be_v as_o follow_v viz._n that_o whereas_o there_o be_v certain_a bank_n in_o crouland_n aforesaid_a in_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v the_o purceynt_a betwixt_o brotherhouse_n and_o a_o bank_n call_v quapelodes_n dyke_n begin_v to_o be_v make_v in_o two_o parcel_n by_o richard_n late_a abbot_n of_o crouland_n predecessor_n to_o john_n the_o then_o abbot_n he_o the_o say_v john_n and_o his_o successor_n shall_v within_o three_o year_n next_o ensue_v that_o agreement_n support_n and_o repair_v they_o and_o where_o need_n shall_v require_v raise_v they_o high_o and_o moreover_o that_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o those_o three_o year_n he_o shall_v make_v a_o new_a bank_n betwixt_o those_o other_o two_o so_o as_o they_o meet_v all_o in_o one_o and_o be_v of_o sufficient_a height_n may_v extend_v as_o one_o bank_n from_o the_o say_a place_n call_v brotherhouse_n to_o quapelodsyd_n dyke_n without_o any_o breach_n gutter_n or_o trench_v and_o be_v a_o sufficient_a defence_n against_o all_o the_o flood_n of_o water_n within_o that_o compass_n that_o may_v happen_v on_o the_o south_n side_n thereof_o which_o bank_n to_o be_v also_o make_v so_o high_a as_o that_o the_o say_v flood_n shall_v not_o overflow_v it_o nor_o burden_n break_v or_o overflow_v a_o certain_a bank_n call_v lode_n dyke_n belong_v to_o the_o prior_n of_o spalding_n and_o to_o the_o say_a sir_n william_n and_o elizabeth_z and_o other_o nor_o overflow_v the_o land_n of_o the_o say_a sir_n william_n and_o elizabeth_n lie_v in_o the_o town_n of_o weston_n &_o multon_n provide_v that_o such_o flood_n which_o may_v so_o happen_v be_v not_o through_o extraordinary_a tempest_n and_o rain_n much_o great_a than_o usual_a and_o that_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o his_o successor_n shall_v repair_v and_o maintain_v the_o before-specified_n bank_n so_o to_o be_v make_v as_o aforesaid_a from_o brotherhouse_n to_o quapelodesyd_n dyke_n well_o and_o sufficient_o in_o every_o part_n for_o the_o term_n of_o forty_o year_n than_o next_o ensue_v the_o date_n of_o that_o agreement_n and_o moreover_o that_o the_o same_o abbot_n and_o his_o successor_n shall_v from_o the_o feast_n of_o all_o saint_n than_o next_o ensue_v well_o and_o sufficient_o repair_v and_o maintain_v the_o say_v two_o bank_n whereof_o one_o do_v extend_v itself_o from_o dovedale_n clote_n before-specified_n unto_o the_o before-specified_n bridge_n at_o crouland_n and_o the_o other_o from_o thence_o to_o brotherhouse_n until_o the_o say_a bank_n from_o brotherhouse_n to_o quapelodesyd_n dyke_n shall_v be_v sufficient_o perfect_v so_o that_o the_o usual_a flood_n and_o overflowing_n of_o the_o water_n of_o south_n i_fw-mi nene_n and_o weland_n aforesaid_a may_v not_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n do_v any_o hurt_n to_o the_o say_a bank_n call_v lodyke_n or_o drown_v the_o land_n in_o weston_n and_o multon_n before-specified_n provide_v that_o such_o flood_n be_v not_o much_o great_a than_o usual_a through_o excessive_a tempest_n and_o rain_n and_o the_o say_a prior_n of_o spalding_n with_o his_o covent_n do_v then_o grant_v and_o agree_v that_o the_o beforementioned_a abbot_n of_o crouland_n and_o his_o successor_n shall_v have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o dig_v and_o take_v within_o the_o soil_n of_o he_o the_o say_a prior_n and_o his_o successor_n in_o spalding_n sen_fw-la near_a to_o the_o say_a place_n call_v brotherhouse_n so_o much_o earth_n sand_n and_o clay_n for_o the_o make_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o say_a bank_n thus_o begin_v and_o to_o be_v new_o raise_v as_o a_o hundred_o boat_n can_v carry_v upon_o the_o river_n of_o weland_n each_o boat_n contain_v six_o cart_n load_v which_o agreement_n be_v so_o make_v betwixt_o the_o party_n abovesaid_a by_o the_o special_a mediation_n of_o sir_n john_n juyn_n knight_n then_o chief_a baron_n of_o the_o exchequer_n and_o one_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o court_n of_o common_a plea_n and_o john_n cotesmore_n another_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o that_o court_n bear_v date_n upon_o the_o thursday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n michael_n the_o archangel_n in_o the_o year_n before-specified_n after_o this_o viz._n in_o 17_o h._n 6._o upon_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o waynflete_a upon_o saturday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n michael_n the_o archangel_n before_o richard_n hague_n and_o john_n langholme_n there_o be_v a_o presentment_n b._n exhibit_v against_o the_o abbot_n and_o covent_n of_o crouland_n charge_v he_o that_o he_o and_o his_o predecessor_n time_n out_o of_o mind_n have_v repair_v and_o so_o ought_v to_o do_v a_o certain_a bank_n in_o crouland_n extend_v itself_o from_o brotherhouse_n unto_o a_o place_n call_v the_o clote_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o triangular_a bridge_n in_o that_o town_n and_o so_o unto_o dovedale_n clote_n in_o crouland_n and_o that_o the_o same_o be_v not_o repair_v to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o the_o country_n and_o that_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o covent_n and_o their_o predecessor_n have_v likewise_o use_v to_o repair_v another_o bank_n in_o crouland_n call_v sharpesdyke_n within_o a_o certain_a marsh_n there_o call_v the_o purcâ—yuâ—_n which_o bank_n extend_v from_o brotherhouse_n to_o a_o place_n call_v plantefeld_v in_o thorney_n and_o moreover_o that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a bank_n in_o crouland_n call_v uuynterdyke_n within_o the_o say_a marsh_n call_v the_o purceynt_a which_o do_v reach_v from_o the_o clote_n unto_o the_o side_n of_o the_o abbey_n of_o crouland_n and_o be_v then_o in_o decay_n through_o the_o default_n of_o the_o same_o abbot_n and_o also_o that_o there_o be_v another_o bank_n lie_v within_o the_o purceynt_a beforementioned_a on_o the_o west_n side_n of_o shepes_fw-mi i_fw-mi extend_v it_o â—elf_n from_o dovedale_n cloâ—e_v near_o the_o division_n betwixt_o multon_n and_o uuhappelode_n which_o bank_n ought_v likewise_o to_o have_v be_v repair_v by_o the_o say_a abbot_n as_o it_o have_v be_v by_o his_o say_a predecessor_n time_n beyond_o memory_n and_o last_o that_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o his_o predecessor_n have_v usual_o repair_v another_o bank_n in_o crouland_n call_v moredyke_n lie_v also_o within_o the_o say_a marsh_n call_v the_o purceynt_a which_o bank_n do_v reach_v from_o shepe_n i_fw-mi to_o asendyke_n and_o be_v then_o defective_a whereupon_o the_o shireeve_n of_o this_o county_n have_v command_v to_o summon_v the_o say_a abbot_n to_o appear_v at_o alford_n upon_o the_o friday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n michael_n
the_o epiphany_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o ccl._o and_o the_o before-specified_n juror_n far_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a gutter_n make_v in_o the_o town_n of_o multon_n call_v bollisgote_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o town_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o acre_n which_o each_o man_n hold_v therefore_o summons_n be_v give_v they_o to_o perform_v the_o same_o according_o in_o form_n aforesaid_a before_o whitsuntide_n follow_v upon_o pain_n of_o a_o hundred_o pound_n but_o upon_o thursday_n which_o be_v the_o eve_n of_o s._n barnabas_n the_o apostle_n at_o the_o request_n of_o some_o of_o the_o country_n the_o commissioner_n above_o name_v come_v to_o view_v the_o before-specified_n chanel_n and_o to_o inquire_v by_o the_o say_a juror_n what_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o their_o decree_n where_o be_v meet_v the_o juror_n present_v that_o the_o sewer_n which_o lead_v to_o that_o streightning_n down_o to_o the_o sea_n lie_v betwixt_o both_o the_o county_n abovementioned_a aught_o to_o be_v enlarge_v to_o xx_o foot_n in_o breadth_n viz._n on_o each_o side_n ten_o foot_n and_o because_o it_o be_v find_v by_o the_o say_a juror_n that_o the_o before-specified_n decree_n for_o that_o straightning_n of_o the_o channel_n abovementioned_a can_v not_o be_v do_v within_o that_o time_n prefix_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a abundance_n of_o water_n it_o be_v respite_v till_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n peter_n ad_fw-la vincula_fw-la common_o call_v lammas_n and_o so_o likewise_o be_v the_o make_n of_o the_o say_a sewer_n and_o that_o each_o town_n adjoin_v to_o the_o same_o sewer_n shall_v make_v it_o so_o far_o as_o their_o land_n do_v extend_v and_o thereupon_o come_v adam_n de_fw-fr tydd_n and_o other_o of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o tydd_n and_o consent_v to_o make_v and_o repair_v the_o ditch_n of_o sutton_n marsh_n betwixt_o schoft_n and_o gedeney_n according_a to_o their_o number_n of_o acre_n provide_v that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v chardged_a for_o their_o land_n lie_v in_o tide_n marsh_n before_o the_o say_a marsh_n be_v defend_v by_o those_o sewer_n and_o straightning_n that_o gutter_n of_o schoft_n in_o 23_o e._n 1._o upon_o a_o inquisition_n u._n take_v at_o gosberchirche_n within_o this_o province_n of_o holland_n on_o friday_n in_o whitsun_n week_n before_o adam_n de_fw-fr crokedayk_n and_o william_n inge_n it_o be_v find_v that_o all_o the_o landholders_n within_o donyngton_n in_o this_o province_n aught_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o what_o they_o hold_v repair_n and_o maintain_v the_o causey_n of_o holland_n with_o little_a bridge_n and_o likewise_o ditch_n on_o each_o side_n thereof_o from_o the_o say_a town_n of_o donyngton_n to_o the_o new_a ditch_n and_o that_o the_o prior_n of_o s._n saviour_n ought_v to_o repair_n and_o maintain_v the_o same_o in_o manner_n as_o aforesaid_a from_o the_o say_a ditch_n to_o the_o town_n of_o s._n saviour_n in_o regard_n that_o the_o say_a prior_n have_v land_n in_o that_o town_n worth_a xxl._n a_o year_n for_o the_o repair_n thereof_o and_o it_o be_v then_o present_v by_o the_o say_a juror_n that_o there_o be_v very_o many_o defect_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o same_o causey_n for_o default_n of_o its_o repair_n by_o the_o say_a prior_n and_o inhabitant_n of_o donington_n and_o most_o of_o all_o for_o want_v of_o bridge_n which_o have_v be_v carry_v away_o on_o each_o side_n of_o that_o new_a ditch_n and_o they_o also_o present_v that_o the_o sewer_n of_o scathegarst_o swyneman_n dam_n and_o swain_n load_n aught_o and_o have_v use_v to_o be_v xuj_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o so_o deep_a as_o that_o the_o water_n may_v have_v a_o free_a passage_n and_o repair_v by_o the_o town_n of_o donyngton_n unto_o the_o river_n to_o byker_n which_o run_v to_o the_o sea_n and_o to_o be_v open_v from_o the_o first_o day_n of_o march_n until_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n martin_n and_o so_o likewise_o from_o the_o say_a feast_n of_o s._n martin_n to_o the_o first_o day_n of_o march_n except_o there_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v such_o a_o abundance_n of_o water_n at_o that_o time_n tâ—at_v the_o sewer_n can_v not_o suffice_v but_o that_o this_o province_n of_o holland_n will_v be_v drown_v and_o in_o such_o case_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o stop_v the_o saiâ—_n sâ—wers_n open_v they_o again_o at_o the_o câ—asiâ—g_n of_o those_o inundation_n and_o they_o say_v that_o for_o default_n of_o repair_n of_o those_o sewer_n there_o be_v thâ—n_o great_a damage_n in_o the_o common_a marsh_n adjoin_v and_o that_o then_o through_o the_o surplusage_n of_o water_n those_o sewer_n wâ—re_v stop_v and_o not_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n aâ—d_v they_o also_o say_v that_o the_o beforementioned_n channel_n of_o byker_n ought_v to_o bâ—_n repair_v by_o the_o say_a town_n of_o bâ—ker_n as_o often_o as_o need_n shall_v require_v and_o tâ—at_v it_o be_v not_o then_o so_o deep_a as_o it_o have_v use_v to_o be_v for_o carry_v away_o the_o water_n of_o â—â—e_z say_v sewâ—rs_n and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o the_o sewer_n of_o quadring_n i_o have_v a_o gutter_n and_o that_o the_o same_o sewer_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o the_o before-specified_n wideness_n and_o depth_n and_o to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o town_n of_o quadring_n and_o that_o it_o be_v stop_v up_o by_o the_o same_o town_n three_o year_n past_a and_o that_o the_o sewer_n of_o risgate_n have_v gutter_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v repair_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o town_n of_o gosbercherche_fw-fr and_o rysgate_n and_o that_o it_o be_v obstruct_v by_o ranulph_n de_fw-fr rye_n towards_o the_o marsh_n but_o four_o day_n since_o and_o likewise_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o the_o say_a breadth_n and_o depth_n and_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o sluse_n betwixt_o the_o marsh_n and_o it_o of_o sixteen_o foot_n wide_a and_o also_o to_o be_v oâ—en_v in_o such_o sort_n as_o the_o sewer_n of_o scalegarst_o unless_o there_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o inundation_n as_o aforesaid_a but_o that_o cease_v then_o to_o be_v open_v and_o that_o the_o course_n of_o that_o sewer_n which_o towards_o the_o sea_n be_v call_v new_a i_fw-mi gate_n have_v wont_n ancient_o to_o run_v directly_z through_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o marsh_n in_o gosvercherche_fw-fr belong_v to_o the_o abbot_n of_o pâ—terborough_n until_o thirty_o six_o year_n before_o that_o by_o the_o flow_a of_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o fresh_a water_n it_o become_v obstructedâ—_n &_o thereupon_o by_o force_n make_v itself_o another_o current_n which_o it_o then_o hold_v and_o they_o likewise_o say_v that_o aswell_o the_o water_n of_o the_o sea_n as_o the_o fresh_a begin_v about_o three_o year_n then_o past_a to_o goul_a the_o ancient_a channel_n and_o that_o the_o beforementioned_a abbot_n discern_v the_o same_o repair_v it_o for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o his_o own_o land_n and_o the_o say_a juror_n be_v ask_v whether_o that_o the_o channel_n which_o the_o water_n have_v at_o that_o time_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o delivery_n and_o evacuation_n thereof_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v but_o they_o say_v that_o the_o ancient_a course_n thereof_o will_v be_v more_o proper_a and_o beneficial_a than_o the_o current_n which_o it_o then_o have_v because_o it_o may_v be_v repair_v with_o the_o less_o charge_n run_v in_o a_o straight_a line_n than_o by_o a_o circuit_n and_o crooked_o and_o soon_o discharge_v itself_o but_o whether_o it_o go_v in_o the_o old_a or_o the_o new_a channel_n they_o affirm_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v repair_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o town_n of_o gosbercherche_fw-fr and_o be_v inquire_v of_o the_o damage_n which_o the_o abbot_n may_v sustain_v in_o case_n the_o same_o water_n shall_v be_v reduce_v into_o its_o ancient_a channel_n they_o say_v that_o he_o will_v lose_v fourscore_o acre_n of_o marsh_n in_o regard_n he_o can_v have_v no_o way_n to_o it_o by_o reason_n thereof_o and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o the_o sewer_n of_o de_fw-fr la_fw-fr beche_n ought_v to_o be_v three_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o as_o much_o in_o depth_n at_o the_o head_n thereof_o towards_o the_o say_a marsh_n and_o low_o towards_o the_o sea_n xuj_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o wheresoever_o it_o be_v to_o be_v narrow_a to_o continue_v the_o same_o depth_n as_o abovesaid_a and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o run_v all_o the_o year_n long_o but_o be_v obstruct_v in_o the_o time_n of_o k._n henry_n the_o three_o father_n to_o the_o king_n that_o then_o be_v by_o henry_n the_o bath_n at_o that_o time_n a_o justice_n itinerant_n which_o obstruction_n be_v continue_v till_o that_o time_n by_o the_o town_n of_o gosberchirche_n pinchebec_n and_o surflet_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v repair_v and_o maintain_v from_o the_o
say_a marsh_n to_o surflet_n on_o one_o side_n by_o the_o town_n of_o pynchebec_n and_o on_o the_o other_o by_o the_o town_n of_o gosberchirche_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o sea_n by_o the_o town_n of_o surflet_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o run_v at_o all_o time_n of_o the_o year_n except_o in_o such_o great_a inundation_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o river_n of_o surflet_n into_o which_o the_o beech_n do_v descend_v aught_o to_o be_v in_o wideness_n xuj_o foot_n and_o that_o it_o be_v then_o so_o straighten_v by_o the_o man_n of_o surflet_n and_o raise_v to_o such_o a_o height_n that_o the_o water_n of_o beche_n can_v not_o have_v its_o current_n to_o the_o sea_n as_o former_o and_o they_o say_v also_o that_o hachelode_n be_v a_o common_a sewer_n and_o aught_o to_o run_v at_o such_o time_n be_v scathegarst_o do_v and_o that_o it_o be_v obstruct_v in_o the_o time_n of_o prior_n william_n predecessor_n of_o the_o then_o prior_n of_o spalding_n and_o do_v then_o so_o continue_v and_o that_o it_o ought_v at_o its_o entrance_n from_o the_o marsh_n to_o be_v one_o foot_n wide_a and_o as_o much_o in_o depth_n but_o low_a to_o be_v six_o foot_n in_o breadth_n as_o far_o as_o the_o sea_n and_o repair_v by_o the_o town_n of_o pinchebec_n till_o it_o come_v to_o the_o sea_n likewise_o that_o bastone_n i_o ought_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o town_n of_o bastone_n turleby_n obbesthorpe_n and_o wynelisthorpe_n from_o katebrigge_n to_o escote_n by_o raise_v of_o the_o bank_n and_o cleanse_v on_o each_o part_n by_o the_o town_n of_o pynchebec_n and_o escote_n unto_o surflete_a and_o by_o the_o town_n of_o surflete_a to_o the_o sea_n which_o bank_n do_v at_o that_o time_n want_v much_o repair_n and_o raise_v high_o also_o that_o brunne_a i_fw-mi tolhou_fw-mi and_o blakekyrk_n aught_o to_o be_v repair_v raise_v and_o scour_v by_o the_o town_n of_o brunne_a from_o brunne_a to_o goderamescote_n on_o the_o north_n side_n and_o on_o the_o south_n to_o merehirne_n from_o which_o place_n viz._n goderamescote_n and_o merehirne_n the_o town_n of_o pyncebek_n ought_v to_o repair_v it_o unto_o surflete_a and_o the_o say_a town_n of_o surflete_a from_o thence_o to_o the_o sea_n for_o default_n of_o which_o repair_n great_a damage_n be_v then_o sustain_v also_o that_o the_o sewer_n of_o briggeflecter_n be_v then_o obstruct_v by_o the_o town_n of_o helytone_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v repair_v cleanse_v and_o maintain_v by_o that_o town_n to_o the_o river_n of_o swynesheved_a whence_o that_o river_n be_v sufficient_a for_o conveyance_n thereof_o to_o kyme_v mouth_n where_o it_o be_v then_o obstruct_v by_o philip_n de_fw-fr kime_n to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o the_o country_n and_o that_o the_o sewer_n of_o enclouse_n near_a bostonâ—_n â—_z ought_v to_o run_v all_o the_o year_n long_o but_o be_v stop_v every_o winter_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o boston_n on_o the_o west_n part_n of_o the_o bridge_n there_o and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v three_o foot_n in_o breadth_n also_o that_o the_o sewer_n of_o long_a drove_n be_v then_o in_o good_a repair_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o town_n of_o pinchebek_n and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o bollesgate_n in_o multon_n be_v a_o common_a sewer_n but_o then_o stop_v and_o the_o gutter_n call_v goat_n carry_v away_o by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o town_n it_o be_v therefore_o decree_v that_o the_o say_a causey_n and_o ditch_n shall_v be_v repair_v and_o make_v anew_o at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o before-specified_n town_n of_o donyngtone_n the_o say_a prior_n to_o be_v chardged_a according_a to_o his_o proportion_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o as_o to_o those_o sewer_n of_o scathegast_n swynemandant_n and_o swanelode_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v oâ—ened_v and_o repair_v to_o the_o say_a river_n of_o byker_n in_o breadth_n xuj_o foot_n and_o of_o such_o a_o depth_n as_o that_o the_o current_n of_o the_o water_n pass_v through_o they_o may_v not_o be_v hinder_v and_o all_o this_o to_o be_v do_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o that_o town_n and_o that_o the_o say_a river_n be_v repair_v by_o the_o town_n of_o byker_n and_o make_v of_o such_o a_o depth_n as_o that_o the_o water_n of_o the_o before-specified_n sewer_n may_v pass_v away_o and_o that_o the_o sewer_n of_o quadringe_n and_o the_o gutter_n belong_v thereto_o be_v clear_v and_o repair_v as_o former_o it_o have_v wont_a to_o be_v and_o of_o the_o same_o breadth_n and_o depth_n at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o say_a town_n and_o the_o say_a town_n to_o be_v amerce_v and_o that_o the_o sewer_n of_o rysgate_n which_o have_v be_v obstruct_v by_o the_o say_v ranulph_n shall_v be_v open_v at_o this_o charge_n and_o he_o to_o be_v amerce_v and_o that_o the_o say_v town_n of_o gosbercherche_fw-fr and_o rysgate_n shall_v thenceforth_o be_v distrain_v to_o the_o repair_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o same_o sewer_n in_o form_n aforesaid_a and_o to_o the_o make_v anew_o of_o the_o sluse_n there_o to_o the_o breadth_n of_o six_o foot_n as_o abovesaid_a and_o as_o to_o the_o current_n of_o new_a i_fw-mi gate_n gilbert_n de_fw-fr sutton_n steward_n to_o the_o say_a abbot_n of_o peterborough_n and_o john_n de_fw-fr trikyngham_n a_o monk_n of_o that_o house_n be_v appoint_v to_o give_v notice_n to_o the_o say_a abbot_n that_o he_o may_v appear_v before_o the_o above-specified_n adam_n and_o william_n at_o westminster_n upon_o wednesday_n next_o after_o the_o xv_o of_o s._n john_n baptist._n and_o that_o the_o sewer_n of_o beche_n shall_v be_v open_v and_o repair_v so_o that_o it_o may_v have_v the_o like_a depth_n and_o breadth_n and_o run_v throughout_o the_o whole_a year_n as_o it_o have_v use_v to_o do_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o town_n of_o gosberchirche_n pyncebec_n and_o surflete_a as_o aforesaid_a and_o that_o the_o river_n of_o surflet_n into_o which_o the_o beech_n fall_v to_o be_v widen_v and_o deepn_v so_o as_o it_o may_v be_v xuj_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o so_o deep_a as_o that_o the_o water_n may_v have_v its_o course_n therein_o as_o former_o and_o to_o be_v do_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o same_o town_n of_o surflete_a and_o that_o the_o sewer_n of_o hachelode_n shall_v likewise_o be_v cleanse_v and_o run_v throughout_o the_o whole_a year_n and_o at_o its_o entrance_n from_o the_o marsh_n to_o be_v one_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o as_o much_o in_o depth_n but_o low_a towards_o the_o sea_n six_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o to_o be_v repair_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o say_a town_n of_o pynchebec_n which_o ought_v to_o maintain_v the_o same_o as_o also_o that_o baston_n i_fw-mi be_v repair_v cleanse_v and_o raise_v in_o the_o bank_n and_o otherwise_o as_o it_o â—ad_a wont_a to_o be_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o town_n of_o baston_n turleby_n obthorpe_n and_o wyvelesthorpe_n likewise_o that_o brunne_a i_fw-mi tolhou_fw-mi and_o blakekirk_n be_v repair_v cleanse_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o town_n of_o brâ—nne_n pyncebek_n and_o surflâ—t_v in_o form_n aforesaid_a and_o at_o their_o charge_n and_o that_o the_o sewer_n of_o buggefletâ—_n â—_z which_o be_v obstruct_v by_o the_o town_n of_o hokyntone_n be_v open_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o that_o town_n and_o the_o say_a town_n to_o be_v amerce_v and_o that_o the_o sewer_n which_o be_v stop_v up_o at_o kymâ—_n mouth_n by_o philip_n de_fw-fr kyme_n be_v open_v at_o the_o cost_n of_o the_o same_o philip_n and_o he_o to_o be_v amerce_v and_o that_o the_o sewer_n call_v the_o encluse_n near_a boston_n be_v open_v every_o winter_n by_o the_o say_a town_n on_o the_o west_n side_n of_o the_o bridge_n and_o the_o say_a town_n amerce_v and_o last_o that_o the_o sewer_n of_o bollesgate_n and_o molton_n which_o be_v obstruct_v by_o that_o town_n be_v also_o open_v at_o the_o charge_n thereof_o and_o the_o say_a town_n amerce_v in_o the_o same_o year_n will._n de_fw-fr shaddeworth_n and_o hugh_n de_fw-fr walecote_n be_v constitute_v doâ—sâ—_n commissioner_n to_o view_v the_o bank_n ditch_n and_o sewer_n in_o this_o province_n and_o to_o take_v order_n for_o their_o repair_n the_o like_a commission_n 〈◊〉_d in_o 28_o e._n 1._o have_v will._n haward_n and_o thomas_n de_fw-fr burnham_n so_o also_o in_o 33_o e._n 1._o have_v 1â—_n robert_n de_fw-fr hakebeche_n ralph_n de_fw-fr littylbury_n and_o giles_n de_fw-fr barentone_n and_o in_o king_n edward_n the_o second_v reign_v there_o issue_v out_o very_a many_o commission_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n viz._n iâ—â—orso_fw-la in_o 4_o e._n 2._o to_o thomas_n de_fw-fr newmarch_n alan_n dâ—_n ratheby_o richard_n de_fw-fr haddele_n and_o gilbert_n remband_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o those_o in_o the_o wapentake_n of_o kirton_n in_o 6_o e._n 2._o to_o dorso_o w._n de_fw-fr friskeney_n r._n de_fw-fr cubbledyke_n i._o the_o
stikeneie_n and_o a._n de_fw-fr cubledyk_n for_o those_o in_o the_o wapentake_v of_o kirketone_n and_o skirbeche_n and_o the_o part_n adjacent_a in_o 7_o e._n 2._o to_o dorso_fw-la roger_n de_fw-fr cubeldyk_n laurence_n de_fw-fr holebeche_n and_o walter_n the_o freskeneye_n for_o those_o only_o upon_o the_o sea_n coast_n in_o this_o province_n the_o like_a in_o 8_o e._n 2._o to_o dorso_o the_o say_v roger_n laurence_n and_o william_n de_fw-fr farforde_n in_o 9_o e._n 2._o upon_o a_o inquisition_n a._n take_v at_o boston_n before_o edmund_n deincourt_n lambert_n de_fw-fr trikingham_n roger_n de_fw-fr copildik_n and_o robert_n de_fw-fr malbirthorp_n than_o justice_n of_o sewer_n upon_o tuesday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o exaltation_n of_o the_o holy_a cross_n it_o be_v find_v that_o the_o town_n of_o donington_n ought_v to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v the_o causey_n of_o holland_n with_o bridge_n and_o ditch_n on_o each_o side_n thereof_o viz._n from_o the_o say_a town_n of_o donington_n unto_o the_o new_a ditch_n and_o from_o the_o say_a ditch_n unto_o the_o chapel_n of_o s._n saviour_n the_o prior_n of_o s._n saviour_n ought_v to_o do_v the_o like_a and_o it_o be_v likewise_o find_v that_o the_o say_a town_n of_o donington_n ought_v to_o repair_v the_o sewer_n of_o scoftgraft_n swinemandam_fw-la and_o swanislad_a to_o the_o breadth_n of_o xuj_o foot_n and_o of_o such_o depth_n that_o the_o current_n of_o the_o water_n shall_v not_o be_v hinder_v unto_o the_o river_n of_o biker_n which_o lead_v to_o the_o sea_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v open_a from_o the_o first_o day_n of_o march_n until_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n martin_n in_o winter_n and_o likewise_o from_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n martin_n until_o the_o first_o day_n of_o march_n unless_o so_o great_a a_o inundation_n of_o the_o sea-water_n shall_v happen_v at_o that_o time_n that_o the_o sewer_n will_v not_o suffice_v to_o carry_v it_o away_o but_o that_o the_o country_n of_o holland_n will_v be_v overflow_v and_o in_o case_n of_o such_o flood_n that_o tâ—e_v town_n of_o donington_n may_v stop_v tâ—ose_a sewer_n and_o upon_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o waterâ—_n opâ—n_v they_o again_o and_o it_o be_v find_v that_o the_o say_v sewer_n be_v then_o stop_v for_o waâ—t_v of_o cleanse_v by_o the_o say_a town_n of_o donington_n and_o it_o be_v â—urâ—â—er_o find_v that_o the_o say_a town_n of_o biker_n aught_o to_o repair_v and_o cleanse_v the_o say_a river_n of_o biker_n unto_o bondistac_n and_o from_o bandistac_n to_o quadring_n the_o say_a town_n of_o donington_n to_o do_v the_o like_a to_o the_o breadth_n of_o twenty-four_o foot_n and_o that_o the_o town_n of_o quadring_n with_o the_o commoner_n thereof_o aught_o to_o scour_v and_o repair_v the_o same_o river_n unto_o gosberchirch_n to_o the_o same_o breadth_n and_o the_o town_n of_o gosberchirch_n to_o do_v the_o like_a according_a to_o the_o same_o breadth_n unto_o the_o sea_n so_o that_o the_o fresh_a water_n may_v not_o be_v hinder_v by_o the_o say_a river_n and_o sewer_n and_o it_o be_v also_o find_v that_o the_o river_n of_o biker_n be_v then_o obstruct_v from_o bondistake_n unto_o the_o sea_n through_o the_o default_n of_o cleanse_v it_o by_o the_o town_n of_o donington_n and_o quadring_n and_o the_o commoner_n of_o gosberchirch_n and_o that_o the_o say_a river_n of_o biker_n where_o the_o dam_n be_v aught_o to_o have_v be_v open_a all_o time_n of_o the_o year_n but_o that_o it_o will_v be_v more_o proper_a that_o the_o say_a town_n of_o biker_n for_o their_o own_o benefit_n and_o commodity_n of_o the_o whole_a country_n shall_v make_v a_o certain_a clow_n with_o two_o door_n each_o of_o they_o four_o foot_n in_o breadth_n which_o clown_n to_o be_v always_o open_a unless_o a_o great_a inundation_n of_o the_o sâ—a_n shall_v happen_v and_o it_o be_v moreover_o find_v that_o the_o sewer_n and_o gutter_n of_o quadring_n be_v then_o obstruct_v by_o the_o town_n of_o quadring_n and_o the_o commoner_n thereof_o aught_o to_o be_v xuj_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o of_o such_o depth_n that_o the_o course_n of_o the_o water_n may_v not_o be_v hinder_v and_o repair_v and_o cleanse_v by_o the_o say_a town_n and_o commoner_n and_o that_o the_o sewer_n of_o gosverchirche_n call_v risgate_n and_o the_o sluice_n betwixt_o the_o fen_n and_o it_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v open_a throughout_o the_o whole_a year_n as_o scatisgraft_v and_o swannislade_n use_v to_o be_v be_v obstruct_v by_o the_o abbot_n of_o peterborough_n and_o the_o town_n of_o gosberchirche_n and_o that_o the_o town_n of_o gosberchirche_n with_o the_o commoner_n thereof_o aught_o to_o cleanse_v repair_n and_o new_o make_v the_o say_a sewer_n and_o gutter_n call_v new_a goat_n and_o the_o sluse_n whereby_o the_o water_n do_v ancient_o pass_v direct_o through_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o say_v abbot_n marsh_n and_o it_o be_v likewise_o find_v that_o the_o sewer_n of_o the_o beech_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v scour_v and_o cleanse_v by_o the_o town_n of_o gosberchirch_n surflet_n and_o pinchebec_n from_o the_o fen_n to_o surflet_n and_o from_o surflet_n to_o the_o sea_n be_v then_o obstruct_v tthrough_a the_o default_n of_o those_o town_n and_o that_o one_o richard_n de_fw-fr heddil_n have_v raise_v a_o dam_n in_o the_o say_a sewer_n whereby_o the_o course_n of_o the_o water_n be_v hinder_v and_o it_o be_v also_o find_v that_o the_o sewer_n of_o briggeflet_n be_v then_o obstruct_v by_o the_o town_n of_o hekyngham_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v amend_v by_o the_o say_a town_n unto_o the_o river_n of_o swinesheved_a and_o that_o there_o the_o river_n be_v sufficient_a to_o carry_v away_o the_o water_n unto_o kyme_n mouth_n which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n stop_v by_o philip_n de_fw-fr kime_n to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o the_o whole_a country_n and_o that_o the_o sewer_n call_v the_o encluse_n near_a boston_n aught_o to_o run_v for_o the_o space_n of_o the_o whole_a year_n but_o be_v then_o obstruct_v in_o the_o winter_n season_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o boston_n on_o the_o west_n part_n of_o the_o bridge_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v three_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o repair_v by_o the_o town_n of_o boston_n on_o the_o west_n part_n of_o the_o bridge_n likewise_o tâ—at_v the_o sewer_n call_v hamundbek_n on_o the_o south_n end_n of_o boston_n be_v then_o also_o obstruct_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o town_n on_o the_o west_n part_n of_o the_o bridge_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o skirbâ—k_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o say_a man_n of_o boston_n to_o inhabit_v on_o the_o west_n of_o the_o bridge_n and_o the_o mâ—n_z of_o skirbek_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n all_o the_o say_a inhabitant_n reside_v on_o that_o west_n side_n of_o the_o bridge_n aught_o to_o common_a in_o the_o eight_o hundred_o fâ—n_n and_o that_o this_o sewer_n ought_v to_o run_v by_o the_o space_n of_o the_o whole_a year_n and_o that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o eight_o hundred_o ought_v to_o cleanse_v the_o river_n of_o swynesheved_a from_o balberdesbothe_n unto_o the_o north_n end_n of_o swynesheved_a town_n and_o the_o town_n of_o swynesheved_a to_o do_v the_o like_a from_o the_o say_a place_n unto_o the_o river_n of_o biker_n and_o moreover_o that_o the_o town_n of_o iwardebi_n and_o ousthorp_n ought_v to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o wâ—ter_n call_v apiltrenesse_n unto_o kime_n and_o that_o it_o be_v then_o in_o decay_n through_o the_o default_n of_o the_o prior_n of_o haverholme_n who_o ought_v to_o repair_v a_o great_a part_n thereof_o and_o do_v refuse_v so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o philip_n de_fw-fr kime_n who_o ought_v of_o right_a to_o repair_v a_o certain_a portion_n of_o the_o side_n at_o watemouthe_n do_v not_o do_v it_o insomuch_o as_o through_o the_o default_n of_o the_o same_o prior_n and_o of_o the_o say_v philip_n de_fw-fr kime_n the_o whole_a fen_n of_o kâ—steven_n in_o hoiland_n be_v overflow_v and_o drown_v to_o the_o damage_n of_o all_o those_o country_n and_o it_o be_v likewise_o find_v that_o the_o say_v philip_n ought_v to_o repair_v that_o current_n of_o the_o before-specified_n water_n and_o do_v neglect_v so_o to_o do_v to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o the_o country_n and_o especial_o of_o the_o priory_n of_o kime_n and_o also_o that_o the_o prior_n of_o haverholme_n ought_v to_o provide_v a_o certain_a boat_n at_o the_o both_o near_o watemouth_n to_o transport_v foot-folk_n over_o that_o water_n aswell_o by_o night_n as_o day_n so_o often_o as_o any_o man_n shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o pass_v that_o way_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o do_v it_o to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o passenger_n travail_v there_o and_o that_o the_o say_a water_n be_v the_o common_a passage_n from_o kesteven_n unto_o the_o river_n of_o
withum_fw-la and_o that_o the_o ditch_n which_o be_v call_v the_o do_v he_o lie_v betwixt_o holland_n fen_n and_o hâ—kinton_n fen_n and_o kime_n fen_n aught_o to_o be_v cleanse_v and_o repair_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o eight_o hundred_o of_o hoiland_n on_o the_o east_n part_n and_o by_o henry_n de_fw-fr beaumond_n lord_n of_o hekinton_n and_o the_o commoner_n of_o hekinton_n and_o philip_n de_fw-fr kime_n on_o the_o west_n part_n and_o from_o balbardesbothe_a to_o the_o river_n of_o kime_n and_o that_o it_o be_v there_o obstruct_v by_o philip_n de_fw-fr kime_n and_o it_o be_v then_o also_o present_v that_o the_o town_n of_o grâ—at_a hale_n with_o the_o commoner_n aught_o to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v the_o causey_n of_o gerwik_n unto_o pingelhirne_n both_o for_o horseman_n and_o foot-folk_n and_o that_o the_o town_n of_o hekinton_n with_o gerdwikâ—_n aught_o to_o cleanse_v and_o repair_v the_o stream_n of_o geâ—dwike_n unto_o the_o water_n of_o swinesh_v viz._n unto_o balberdesbothe_v and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o then_o do_v but_o the_o half_a of_o the_o say_a stream_n unto_o the_o park_n on_o the_o south_n side_n thâ—_n parson_n of_o hale_n aught_o to_o cleanse_v and_o repair_v and_o it_o be_v likewise_o then_o find_v that_o burtonebrigg_n be_v a_o common_a high_a way_n and_o that_o the_o one_o half_a thereof_o ought_v to_o be_v repair_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o town_n of_o burton_n together_o with_o the_o caâ—sey_n on_o the_o north_n part_n and_o the_o other_o moiety_n by_o the_o town_n of_o helpringham_n with_o the_o causey_n on_o the_o south_n part_n so_o that_o horse_n &_o foot-folk_n may_v at_o all_o time_n pass_v secure_o there_o and_o that_o it_o be_v then_o in_o decay_n and_o it_o be_v far_o present_v that_o the_o head_n of_o caresdik_n be_v a_o certain_a stream_n which_o be_v call_v the_o south_n i_fw-mi and_o aught_o to_o be_v repair_v and_o cleanse_v by_o the_o town_n of_o little_a hale_n and_o the_o commoner_n thereof_o on_o the_o one_o part_n and_o by_o the_o town_n of_o helpringham_n and_o biker_n unto_o gobion_n both_o on_o the_o other_o part_n and_o that_o hatchtlode_n be_v a_o common_a sewer_n and_o aught_o to_o run_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o the_o sewer_n of_o scathegraft_n do_v but_o be_v then_o obstruct_v by_o the_o prior_n of_o spald_v and_o that_o it_o ought_v at_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o water_n from_o the_o fen_n to_o be_v one_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o as_o much_o in_o depth_n and_o within_o by_o the_o town_n to_o be_v of_o six_o foot_n in_o breadth_n to_o the_o sea_n and_o to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o town_n of_o pinceber_n to_o the_o sea_n and_o moreover_o that_o baston_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v cleanse_v and_o repair_v by_o the_o town_n of_o baston_n thurlebi_n obthorpe_n and_o winelistorpe_n from_o calebrigge_n to_o estcote_n by_o raise_v of_o the_o bank_n and_o cleanse_v the_o stream_n on_o each_o part_n and_o from_o the_o town_n of_o estcote_n through_o pincebec_n unto_o surflete_a and_o from_o the_o town_n of_o surflet_n to_o the_o sea_n which_o bank_n do_v then_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o great_a repair_n and_o raise_v high_o and_o that_o brunne_v hold_v he_o aught_o to_o be_v repair_v raise_v cleanse_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o town_n of_o brunne_a and_o the_o abbot_n of_o brunne_a from_o brunne_a unto_o goderamscote_n and_o from_o goderamscote_n the_o town_n of_o pinceber_n ought_v to_o rerepair_n the_o same_o to_o surflet_n and_o the_o town_n of_o surflet_n to_o the_o sea_n for_o default_n whereof_o all_o the_o fen_n of_o holland_n and_o kesteven_n be_v overflow_v and_o drown_v and_o they_o last_o present_v that_o bollisgote_v in_o multon_n be_v a_o common_a sewer_n and_o become_v obstruct_v by_o the_o town_n of_o multon_n and_o that_o the_o gutter_n which_o be_v call_v the_o goat_n be_v carry_v away_o by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o place_n in_o 10_o e._n 2._o roger_n de_fw-fr cubledik_n laurence_n de_fw-fr holbeche_n and_o hugh_n de_fw-fr gorham_n be_v constitute_v dorso_fw-la commissioner_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n and_o sewer_n in_o the_o marsh_n of_o gedney_n holbeche_n sutton_n and_o flete_n the_o next_o year_n follow_v the_o abbot_n and_o covent_n of_o peterborough_n come_v to_o a_o agreement_n b_o with_o sir_n hugh_n de_fw-fr cressey_n sir_n john_n de_fw-mi ry_z james_n de_fw-fr bark_n and_o other_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o gosbercherche_fw-fr and_o surflete_a concern_v a_o certain_a sewer_n in_o the_o marsh_n of_o gosbercherche_fw-fr new_o make_v from_o that_o place_n which_o be_v call_v nâ—we_n goat_n direct_o to_o salten_fw-mi i_fw-mi the_o tenor_n of_o which_o accord_n be_v as_o follow_v viz._n that_o the_o say_v monk_n of_o peterborough_n do_v for_o they_o and_o their_o successor_n release_v unto_o the_o say_v hugh_n and_o the_o rest_n and_o to_o their_o heir_n all_o the_o action_n which_o they_o have_v in_o respect_n of_o any_o trespass_n do_v to_o they_o touch_v that_o sewer_n and_o moreover_o grant_v that_o the_o say_a sir_n hugh_n sir_n john_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o commonalty_n of_o the_o before-specified_n town_n and_o their_o heir_n shall_v make_v the_o say_a sewer_n through_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o marsh_n xx_o foot_n in_o breadth_n according_a to_o the_o king_n ell_n as_o it_o then_o be_v as_o often_o as_o there_o may_v be_v occasion_n for_o the_o same_o to_o run_v for_o ever_o and_o if_o it_o afterward_o do_v happen_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v obstruct_v either_o by_o the_o flow_a of_o the_o sea_n or_o otherwise_o that_o in_o such_o case_n the_o say_a sir_n hugh_n and_o the_o rest_n abovementioned_a and_o their_o heir_n may_v have_v power_n to_o cleanse_v the_o same_o to_o the_o before-specified_n breadth_n with_o as_o little_a hurt_n or_o damage_n to_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o covent_n as_o may_v be_v so_o that_o the_o say_a water_n may_v have_v its_o passage_n as_o aforesaid_a in_o the_o same_o year_n roger_n de_fw-fr cubbeldyk_n walter_n de_fw-fr friskeney_n and_o robert_n de_fw-fr malberthorpe_n be_v constitute_v dorso_fw-la commissioner_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n and_o sewer_n in_o these_o part_n of_o holland_n the_o like_a commission_n dorso_fw-la in_o 14_o e._n 2._o have_v alexander_n de_fw-fr montfort_n humphrey_n de_fw-fr litlebury_n everard_n de_fw-fr flete_n and_o william_n de_fw-fr fayreford_n for_o those_o upon_o the_o sea_n coast_n and_o part_n adjoin_v betwixt_o tidbriggge_n and_o surflete_a brigge_n so_o also_o in_o 15_o e._n 2._o have_v dorso_fw-la walter_n de_fw-fr friskeney_n robert_n de_fw-fr malberthorpe_n and_o roger_n de_fw-fr cubledyke_n in_o 16_o e._n 2._o roger_n de_fw-fr cubledyk_n and_o alan_n de_fw-fr cubledyk_n be_v appoint_v dorso_fw-la to_o view_v the_o bank_n and_o sewer_n betwixt_o the_o bridge_n of_o holland_n and_o tid_n and_o to_o take_v order_n for_o their_o repair_n the_o like_a assignation_n dorso_fw-la have_v the_o say_a roger_n and_o alan_n with_o william_n de_fw-fr faireford_n the_o year_n next_o ensue_v for_o those_o betwixt_o the_o cross_n of_o wolmerstye_n and_o tiddbridge_n b._n and_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a country_n of_o holland_n within_o the_o wapentake_n of_o ellowe_n before_o who_o the_o juror_n present_v first_o for_o the_o town_n of_o pincheber_n that_o all_o the_o sea-bank_n and_o those_o of_o the_o marsh_n which_o be_v break_v by_o tempestuous_a wave_n shall_v be_v repair_v and_o make_v high_a and_o thick_a than_o they_o have_v former_o be_v and_o that_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v many_o perch_n of_o those_o bank_n break_a and_o ruinous_a by_o reason_n that_o the_o land_n which_o be_v chardged_a with_o the_o repair_n of_o they_o have_v long_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o stranger_n and_o therefore_o they_o deem_v it_o necessary_a that_o all_o the_o land_n of_o the_o say_a town_n of_o pinchebec_n shall_v be_v survey_v anew_o and_o after_o such_o survey_n every_o man_n to_o be_v assess_v according_a to_o what_o he_o hold_v and_o they_o also_o present_v that_o the_o water_n call_v brunne_v glene_n he_o which_o have_v its_o course_n through_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o before-specified_n town_n unto_o the_o message_n of_o richard_n de_fw-fr cheile_n shall_v thenceforth_o be_v stop_v below_o the_o weltre_n and_o because_o that_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v do_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o water_n come_v from_o far_o upon_o great_a fall_n of_o rain_n against_o which_o the_o say_a town_n can_v not_o provide_v except_o there_o be_v a_o reasonable_a outlet_a make_v from_o the_o say_a message_n to_o the_o sea_n by_o the_o river_n of_o surflete_a which_o be_v too_o narrow_a by_o xx_o foot_n and_o that_o unless_o it_o be_v widen_v to_o that_o proportion_n the_o town_n of_o pinchbec_n will_v be_v overflow_v every_o year_n in_o regard_n that_o the_o say_v current_a aught_o to_o be_v large_a at_o the_o outlet_a
of_o crabhous_n with_o some_o land_n belong_v thereto_o all_o be_v then_o waste_v and_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o fen_n but_o afterward_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o place_n and_o of_o divers_a other_o come_v and_o with_o drayn_v and_o bank_v win_v as_o much_o thereof_o by_o their_o industry_n as_o they_o can_v and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o more_o secure_o enjoy_v the_o same_o be_v contenâ—_n to_o be_v tenant_n for_o it_o unto_o such_o great_a man_n of_o who_o they_o hold_v their_o other_o land_n and_o upon_o this_o occasion_n by_o a_o common_a consent_n among_o themâ—_n raise_v be_v the_o old_a podike_n first_o raise_v about_o the_o year_n mccxxiij_o 7_o h._n 3._o nor_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o country_n any_o other_o than_o a_o marsh_n about_o that_o time_n for_o by_o that_o precept_n 14._o to_o the_o shireeve_n of_o norfolk_n for_o give_v unto_o hubert_n de_fw-fr burgo_n than_o justice_n of_o england_n the_o like_a possession_n thereof_o as_o he_o have_v in_o king_n john_n time_n when_o he_o go_v into_o poictou_n for_o the_o serviâ—e_n of_o that_o king_n it_o be_v so_o call_v and_o bound_v with_o the_o town_n of_o wigenhale_n welle_v hagebeche_v tilney_n and_o tirington_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v little_o less_o than_o half_a marshland_n all_o which_o be_v soon_o after_o restore_v 10._o to_o the_o church_n of_o ely_n as_o have_v a_o better_a interest_n to_o it_o than_o this_o great_a man_n but_o notwithstanding_o the_o say_a bank_n call_v podike_n so_o make_v as_o have_v be_v say_v it_o seem_v that_o the_o marshland_n man_n have_v no_o clear_a title_n to_o the_o whole_a soil_n whereon_o it_o be_v erect_v will._n bardolfe_n at_o that_o time_n lord_n ojh_o the_o manor_n of_o stow_n wimbotesham_n and_o dounham_n lordship_n lie_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o ouse_n chaleng_v some_o right_n therein_o for_o in_o 35_o h._n 3._o they_o come_v to_o a_o agreement_n with_o he_o by_o a_o fine_a arm._n levy_v before_o the_o justice_n itinerant_a at_o norwich_n in_o the_o xv_o of_o s._n martin_n the_o principal_a party_n to_o the_o say_v fine_a be_v the_o then_o bishop_n of_o ely_n the_o prior_n of_o lewes_n the_o abbot_n of_o ramsey_n dereham_n and_o s._n edmundsbuâ—y_o thomas_z de_fw-fr ingaldesthorp_n and_o will._n de_fw-fr shouldham_n by_o which_o fine_a the_o say_v will._n bardolf_n quit_v all_o his_o title_n in_o the_o whole_a marsh_n call_v west_n fen_n through_o which_o the_o same_o bank_n extend_v unto_o the_o say_a bishop_n prior_n abbot_n etc._n etc._n and_o their_o successor_n for_o ever_o and_o they_o to_o he_o and_o his_o heir_n the_o before-specified_n old_a bank_n viz._n podike_n and_o a_o cxx_o acre_n of_o marsh_n with_o the_o appurtenance_n lie_v in_o the_o say_a west_n fen_n within_o the_o same_o bank_n northwards_o contain_v xij_o furlong_n in_o breadth_n about_o three_o year_n after_o the_o sea-bank_n of_o this_o province_n want_v repair_n the_o shireeve_n of_o norfolk_n be_v require_v 15._o to_o distrain_v all_o those_o person_n in_o the_o lete_n of_o clenchwarton_n and_o west_n len_n who_o be_v tenant_n of_o such_o land_n as_o aught_o to_o repair_v those_o bank_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o they_o have_v wont_a to_o be_v repair_v for_o repel_v the_o inundation_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o fresh_a water_n which_o tenant_n to_o have_v afterward_o allowance_n for_o the_o same_o from_o their_o landlord_n what_o be_v then_o do_v therein_o i_o find_v not_o but_o within_o four_o year_n ensue_v it_o appear_v â—5_n that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o country_n have_v exceed_o great_a loss_n by_o the_o breach_n both_o of_o the_o sea-bank_n and_o those_o which_o shall_v have_v keep_v off_o the_o fresh_a water_n insomuch_o as_o the_o king_n be_v advertise_v thereof_o command_v â—5_n the_o shireeve_n of_o norfolk_n that_o he_o shall_v forthwith_o distrain_v all_o the_o land-holders_n who_o may_v have_v benefit_n thereby_o to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v those_o bank_n and_o ditch_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o their_o say_a land_n lie_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o they_o and_o the_o next_o year_n follow_v upon_o more_o damage_n happen_v by_o a_o new_a inundation_n of_o the_o sea_n through_o the_o breach_n of_o those_o bank_n towards_o wisbeche_n within_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n have_v require_v 12._o the_o say_a bishop_n to_o distrain_v all_o his_o tenant_n within_o this_o province_n of_o mershland_n and_o elsewhere_o within_o his_o say_a liberty_n who_o have_v defence_n and_o safeguard_n thereby_o according_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o their_o land_n lie_v within_o the_o say_a bank_n to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o have_v use_v to_o do_v he_o send_v his_o precept_n 12._o to_o the_o shireeâ—e_n of_o cambridgshire_n thereby_o charge_v he_o that_o after_o the_o say_a bishop_n have_v so_o distrain_v his_o say_a tenant_n as_o abovesaid_a he_o the_o say_a shireeve_n shall_v not_o deliver_v any_o cattle_n so_o take_v by_o way_n of_o distress_n without_o the_o king_n special_a command_n in_o 16_o e._n 1._o will._n de_fw-fr carleton_n and_o will._n de_fw-fr middilton_n be_v constitute_v 9_o commissioner_n to_o inquire_v of_o certain_a breach_n in_o the_o bank_n of_o robert_n de_fw-fr scales_n in_o the_o hawe_z and_o ilsington_n in_o this_o province_n and_o to_o distrain_v all_o those_o who_o ought_v to_o repair_v they_o the_o like_a commission_n 12._o have_v they_o the_o next_o year_n ensue_v for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n in_o tilney_n and_o ilsington_n then_o break_v by_o the_o rage_a of_o the_o sea_n so_o also_o in_o 18_o e._n 1._o have_v dorso_fw-la the_o say_a will._n de_fw-fr carleton_n and_o will._n de_fw-fr pageham_n for_o the_o bank_n call_v pokediche_n siwellediche_n fendiche_n and_o gildangordiche_n then_o break_v by_o flood_n in_o divers_a place_n in_o 21_o e._n 1._o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o country_n make_v a_o grievous_a complaint_n 11._o to_o the_o king_n import_v that_o whereas_o the_o bank_n call_v pokediche_n be_v ancient_o make_v and_o have_v till_o that_o time_n be_v maintain_v by_o they_o for_o the_o safeguard_n and_o preservation_n of_o those_o part_n against_o flood_n of_o water_n certain_a malefactor_n have_v a_o purpose_n to_o do_v they_o mischief_n have_v make_v a_o hole_n in_o the_o say_a bank_n and_o do_v by_o force_n and_o arm_n hinder_v those_o that_o will_v have_v stop_v it_o by_o reason_n whereof_o aswell_o the_o tide_n from_o the_o sea_n as_o the_o fresh_a water_n overflow_v the_o pasture_n lie_v within_o the_o precinct_n thereof_o the_o say_a king_n therefore_o be_v very_o sensible_a of_o this_o great_a injury_n assign_v 11._o peter_n de_fw-fr campania_n thomas_n de_fw-fr hacford_n and_o adam_n de_fw-fr shropham_n to_o inquire_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o honest_a and_o lawful_a man_n of_o this_o county_n who_o they_o be_v that_o do_v make_v this_o breach_n and_o to_o hear_v and_o determine_v of_o that_o trespass_n and_o the_o say_a king_n be_v inform_v that_o in_o case_n the_o fresh_a water_n come_v by_o utwell_n can_v have_v their_o course_n to_o the_o sea_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o that_o they_o may_v not_o mix_v with_o the_o water_n run_v in_o mershland_n ☞_o this_o country_n of_o mershland_n by_o that_o sever_n of_o they_o will_v be_v much_o amend_v he_o command_v the_o say_v commissioner_n that_o they_o shall_v forthwith_o go_v to_o the_o town_n of_o utwelle_n and_o there_o take_v order_n that_o the_o say_v fresh_a water_n so_o descend_v that_o way_n shall_v have_v their_o due_a and_o ancient_a course_n to_o the_o sea_n as_o former_o so_o that_o this_o country_n of_o marshland_n may_v have_v its_o drayn_n to_o the_o sea_n by_o the_o same_o out-fall_a the_o next_o year_n follow_v the_o king_n direct_v his_o commission_n a._n to_o simon_n de_fw-fr elysworth_n and_o thomas_n de_fw-fr hageford_n to_o inquire_v touch_v the_o defect_n in_o repair_n of_o the_o bank_n call_v pokediche_n as_o also_o of_o other_o bank_n and_o sewer_n in_o this_o county_n the_o jurat_n for_o the_o hundred_o of_o frethbrigge_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n do_v upon_o their_o oath_n present_a that_o through_o the_o default_n of_o the_o town_n of_o wigenhale_n in_o make_v and_o repair_v of_o their_o ditch_n above_o the_o podyke_n great_a loss_n have_v happen_v in_o those_o day_n to_o these_o part_n of_o mershland_n so_o that_o the_o land_n of_o divers_a man_n be_v drown_v by_o the_o inundation_n both_o from_o the_o sea_n and_o fresh_a water_n and_o they_o also_o say_v that_o the_o say_v pokedyke_n can_v not_o be_v sufficient_o repair_v before_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o nativity_n of_o s._n john_n baptist_n for_o the_o safeguard_n thereof_o and_o of_o the_o country_n in_o regard_n that_o certain_a man_n of_o wigenhale_n have_v divers_a land_n lie_v adjacent_a to_o the_o same_o bâ—nk_n
and_o some_o not_o so_o that_o no_o earth_n can_v be_v dig_v there_o without_o the_o good_a will_n of_o those_o who_o land_n adjoin_v thereto_o whereupon_o the_o say_v commissioner_n decree_v ☜_o that_o by_o the_o oversight_n of_o john_n de_fw-fr wykenhale_n john_n de_fw-fr reynham_n adam_n the_o blowere_n and_o alexander_n de_fw-fr walpole_n who_o be_v depute_v thereto_o upon_o their_o oath_n earth_n shall_v be_v take_v off_o those_o man_n land_n which_o lay_v so_o there_o for_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o â—aid_a bank_n give_v a_o valuable_a consideration_n for_o the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o person_n so_o swear_v and_o that_o the_o repair_v thereof_o shall_v be_v accomplish_v before_o the_o say_a feast_n of_o the_o nativity_n of_o s._n john_n baptist_n upon_o penalty_n of_o a_o c._n mark_n at_o that_o time_n do_v the_o juror_n also_o for_o the_o hundred_o of_o clakelose_a present_a upon_o their_o oath_n that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a band_n betwixt_o the_o town_n of_o utwell_n and_o the_o priory_n of_o molycourt_n which_o bank_n the_o land-holders_n betwixt_o it_o and_o pokedike_n aught_o to_o repair_v and_o raise_v high_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o bank_n of_o pokedike_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o country_n viz._n thomas_n de_fw-fr ingaldesthorpe_n john_n fit_v gilbert_n and_o other_o wherefore_o the_o shireeve_n have_v command_v to_o distrain_v they_o by_o all_o their_o land_n betwixt_o utwell_n and_o molycourt_n till_o the_o say_a bank_n be_v repair_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v afterward_o upon_o wednesday_n after_o the_o invention_n of_o the_o holy_a cross_n in_o the_o 23_o year_n of_o the_o same_o king_n edw._n 1._o the_o say_a justice_n make_v another_o inquisition_n by_o robert_n de_fw-fr hakebeche_n and_o other_o who_o say_v upon_o their_o oath_n that_o of_o necessity_n the_o water_n of_o upwell_n ought_v to_o be_v stop_v at_o the_o house_n of_o ralph_n smyth_n of_o that_o town_n and_o that_o the_o ancient_a course_n thereof_o aught_o to_o be_v scour_v and_o enlarge_v from_o the_o sluice_n of_o elm_n to_o that_o stop_v in_o upwell_n to_o the_o breadth_n of_o xl_o foot_n and_o deep_a by_o six_o foot_n than_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n and_o they_o also_o say_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o say_a water_n of_o upwell_n shall_v have_v its_o course_n by_o the_o little_a lade_n and_o a_o place_n call_v wadyngstowe_n until_o such_o time_n as_o the_o before-specified_n sewer_n can_v be_v cleanse_v repair_v and_o so_o enlarge_v and_o they_o say_v that_o tide_n s._n giles_n neutone_n leveringtone_n wisebeche_n elm_n and_o upwell_n of_o the_o county_n of_o cambridg_n shall_v at_o their_o peculiar_a cost_n repair_v the_o one_o half_a of_o that_o sewer_n and_o that_o robert_n de_fw-fr scadeworthe_n steward_n of_o ely_n do_v undertake_v for_o that_o moiety_n and_o the_o town_n of_o wygenhale_n on_o the_o part_n of_o marshland_n tilneye_n tyringtone_n walpole_n waltone_n utwell_n waisokne_v enemethe_o clengwartone_n with_o the_o commoner_n in_o marshland_n common_a to_o repair_v at_o their_o cost_n the_o other_o moiety_n so_o that_o all_o those_o land-holders_n above_o the_o say_v stop_v at_o upwell_n towards_o meremaund_n shall_v be_v total_o quit_v of_o any_o contribution_n thereto_o and_o the_o say_a steward_n of_o ely_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o say_a couâ—ty_n of_o cambridge_n be_v to_o superintend_v john_n de_fw-fr fictone_n and_o adam_n the_o blowere_n assessor_n and_o collector_n for_o the_o town_n of_o wygenhale_n philip_n the_o fen_n and_o stephan_n fitz_fw-fr walter_n assessor_n and_o collector_n for_o the_o town_n of_o tâ—lneye_n and_o the_o hamlet_n william_n the_o sybille_n and_o john_n de_fw-fr dulingham_n assessor_n and_o collector_n for_o the_o town_n of_o tyringtone_n and_o walpole_n and_o ralph_n fitz_fw-fr john_n together_o with_o the_o say_v john_n de_fw-fr dulyngham_n assessor_n and_o collector_n for_o the_o town_n of_o walsokne_v waltone_n and_o enemethe_n all_o swear_v and_o thereunto_o appoint_v that_o they_o shall_v begin_v the_o say_v stop_v and_o cleanse_v of_o that_o channel_n upon_o the_o morrow_n after_o ascension_n day_n so_o that_o the_o same_o water_n shall_v by_o such_o scour_n and_o enlarge_n of_o the_o say_v ancient_a channel_n run_v before_o the_o gule_a of_o august_n than_o next_o ensue_v under_o the_o penalty_n of_o a_o cl._o and_o in_o case_n that_o passage_n call_v lytlelode_n and_o wadyngstowe_n shall_v not_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o carry_v away_o of_o those_o water_n it_o be_v determine_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v enlarge_v as_o they_o be_v afore_o time_n by_o the_o view_n of_o the_o shireeve_n of_o norfolk_n both_o as_o often_o and_o in_o what_o place_n need_v may_v require_v and_o the_o shireeve_n of_o norfolk_n have_v command_v that_o as_o often_o as_o he_o shall_v be_v require_v to_o assist_v the_o person_n above-specified_n so_o depute_v to_o assess_v and_o collect_v those_o money_n he_o shall_v be_v aid_v to_o they_o not_o favour_v either_o rich_a or_o poor_a therein_o and_o it_o be_v also_o decree_v that_o lytlelode_n and_o uuadyngstowe_n shall_v be_v open_v until_o the_o before-specified_n sewer_n be_v cleanse_v viz._n the_o gule_a of_o august_n and_o the_o jurer_n of_o both_o the_o say_v hundred_o far_a say_v that_o the_o charge_n of_o scour_v the_o sâ—id_a sewer_n may_v be_v defray_v for_o six_o score_n and_o two_o pound_n whereof_o the_o steward_n of_o ely_n do_v undertake_v to_o levy_v the_o moiety_n upon_o the_o town_n in_o cambridgâ—â—ice_n and_o to_o this_o contribution_n tiâ—â—_n yâ—_n with_o the_o hamlet_n belong_v thereto_o be_v tax_v at_o xil_n tiringtone_n at_o xil._o uuaipole_n at_o xil_n uuaâ—tone_n and_o enâ—mâ—the_v at_o xil._o uualsokne_v at_o xil_n uuygâ—nâ—â—lâ—_n at_n cs._o and_o utwâ—il_n in_o the_o county_n of_o norfolk_n at_o xxs._n and_o if_o those_o mony_n will_v not_o suffice_v to_o perform_v the_o same_o that_o then_o the_o town_n of_o both_o county_n to_o contribute_v more_o as_o need_n shall_v require_v and_o the_o say_a shireeve_n have_v likewise_o command_v to_o distrain_v thomas_n de_fw-fr ingaldesthorpe_n thomas_n de_fw-fr s._n omer_n john_n fitz_fw-fr gilbert_n john_n blakeman_n walter_n de_fw-fr palmere_n simon_n fitz_fw-fr agnes_n the_o prior_n of_o molycourt_n and_o alan_n le_fw-fr mutere_fw-la land-holders_n in_a utwâ—ll_n and_o molycourt_n to_o repair_v tâ—e_v baâ—k_v betwixt_o uuâ—lle_n and_o molycourt_n for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n of_o pokedike_n so_o that_o every_o acre_n shall_v be_v assess_v alike_o in_o the_o say_a contribution_n and_o that_o the_o say_a bank_n shall_v be_v perfect_v before_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n peteâ—_n ad_fw-la vincula_fw-la common_o call_v lammas_n upon_o penalty_n of_o xxl._o and_o the_o say_a shireeve_n of_o norfolk_n have_v moreover_o command_v that_o he_o shall_v distrain_v the_o before-specified_n town_n of_o utwelle_n to_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o bank_n call_v sandy_n diche_fw-it before_o the_o say_a feast_n of_o s._n peter_n ad_fw-la vincula_fw-la upon_o penalty_n of_o xxl._o and_o likewise_o to_o distrain_v all_o the_o tenant_n of_o the_o land_n of_o pachefeld_n and_o kirkefeld_n in_o the_o town_n of_o utwelle_n and_o upwelle_n to_o repair_v the_o bank_n and_o ditch_n in_o those_o field_n so_o that_o every_o acre_n shall_v be_v assess_v alike_o and_o the_o say_v repair_v accomplish_v bâ—fore_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n john_n baptist_n upon_o penalty_n of_o xxl._o and_o moreover_o to_o distrain_v all_o those_o who_o ought_v to_o repair_v the_o bank_n at_o pokedyke_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v finish_v before_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n john_n baptist_n upon_o pain_n of_o xxl._o and_o because_o it_o be_v present_v by_o john_n de_fw-fr wygenhale_n john_n de_fw-fr reynham_n etc._n etc._n then_o depute_v by_o the_o say_a justice_n to_o take_v earth_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n of_o pokedike_n from_o the_o ground_n lie_v near_o thereto_o and_o that_o the_o abbot_n of_o dereham_n have_v within_o the_o same_o bank_n ccc_o acre_n of_o land_n they_o be_v command_v to_o take_v earth_n off_o the_o say_v abbot_n land_n ☞_o lie_v a_o acre_n distant_a from_o the_o bank_n provide_v that_o the_o say_a abbot_n have_v competent_a satisfaction_n for_o the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o say_a jurat_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o earth_n within_o that_o bank_n to_o be_v find_v so_o proper_a for_o that_o service_n howbeit_o no_o soon_o be_v the_o before-specified_n channel_n at_o littlelode_n so_o make_v as_o by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n have_v be_v direct_v but_o that_o some_o mischievous_a people_n break_v and_o throw_v down_o the_o bank_n thereof_o the_o king_n therefore_o upon_o complaint_n to_o he_o thereof_o make_v do_v grant_v a_o new_a commmission_n dorso_o â—nto_o the_o say_a simon_n de_fw-fr ellesworth_n and_o thomas_n de_fw-fr hakeford_n to_o view_v the_o same_o and_o to_o inquire_v
mere_o belong_v to_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o landholders_n of_o tilney_n for_o the_o drayn_n and_o avoid_v of_o the_o water_n from_o all_o the_o tenement_n of_o the_o town_n of_o tirington_n betwixt_o new_a fen_n ditch_n viz._n from_o the_o house_n of_o laurence_n chapell_n northwards_o to_o the_o great_a sea_n bank_n within_o which_o space_n more_o than_o five_o thousand_o acre_n be_v contain_v except_v the_o great_a gutter_n call_v knight_n goal_n which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v and_o maintain_v aswell_o at_o the_o cost_n of_o tirington_n walpole_n walsokâ—n_n and_o emneth_n and_o that_o part_n of_o wigenhale_n which_o have_v commodity_n thâ—râ—by_o as_o the_o town_n of_o tilney_n and_o ilsington_n and_o except_v the_o bridge_n at_o robert_n de_fw-fr midleton_n house_n which_o be_v to_o be_v always_o make_v and_o maintain_v by_o john_n de_fw-fr engaldesthorpe_n and_o robert_n de_fw-fr scales_n in_o consideration_n of_o the_o fish_n thâ—re_o ancient_o grant_v to_o they_o and_o their_o ancestor_n and_o according_o enjoy_v in_o common_a with_o the_o town_n of_o tilney_n and_o ilsington_n and_o except_v likewise_o the_o bridge_n call_v black_a ditch_n bridge_n unto_o the_o fen_n at_o tilney_n stow_z which_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o land-holders_n of_o walsoken_n and_o emnethe_n be_v oblige_v to_o make_v and_o continual_o maintain_v for_o the_o water_n descend_v thereby_o to_o the_o sea_n as_o they_o have_v use_v to_o do_v for_o the_o cause_n aforesaid_a time_n out_o of_o mind_n and_o likewise_o except_v the_o several_a bridge_n of_o all_o the_o tenant_n and_o person_n conversant_a upon_o that_o sewer_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o house_n of_o rob._n de_fw-fr midleton_n and_o gullysgole_n in_o islington_n &_o except_v all_o the_o particular_a brige_n of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v conversant_a upon_o the_o sâ—â—â—rs_n betwixt_o the_o fedditch_n and_o cuntesforth_n brigge_n in_o tilney_n because_o they_o belong_v special_o to_o those_o person_n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o sewer_n from_o custowe_n in_o tirington_n to_o tilney_n fen_n brigge_n aught_o to_o be_v twelve_o foot_n in_o breadth_n throughout_o and_o the_o bridge_n there_o of_o the_o same_o wideness_n at_o the_o bottom_n and_o that_o the_o sewer_n from_o thence_o to_o islington_n bridge_n aught_o to_o contain_v xuj_o foot_n in_o breadth_n throughout_o and_o the_o same_o bridge_n twelve_o foot_n at_o the_o ground_n and_o the_o sewer_n from_o thence_o unto_o the_o gutter_n call_v knight_n goal_n xviii_o foot_n in_o breadth_n for_o the_o water_n course_n &_o every_o bridge_n beyond_o that_o sewer_n upon_o that_o current_n xuj_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o that_o all_o the_o say_a sewer_n with_o the_o gutter_n call_v knight_n goal_n and_o tâ—e_v common_a bank_n adjoin_v to_o the_o say_a gâ—tter_n aught_o to_o be_v repair_v &_o cleanse_v from_o thenceforth_o aswell_o by_o the_o remote_a â—_z which_o have_v benefit_n thereby_o as_o by_o the_o saâ—d_a town_n of_o tylney_n and_o islâ—ngton_n aâ—_n ancient_o have_v be_v accustom_v and_o that_o the_o common_a sewery_n betwixt_o old_a fen_n diche_a and_o osgood_n hirne_n shall_v be_v eight_o â—oot_n in_o breadth_n at_o the_o least_o aâ—d_o that_o upon_o the_o cleanse_n and_o scour_v thereof_o in_o every_o place_n half_o the_o â—arth_n so_o cast_v out_o to_o be_v carry_v to_o raise_v the_o common_a drive_v high_a and_o all_o the_o bridge_n over_o the_o say_a sewer_n six_o foot_n in_o breadth_n at_o the_o least_o which_o sewer_n to_o be_v scour_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o all_o those_o that_o reside_v near_o thereto_o and_o they_o likewise_o say_v that_o the_o sewer_n from_o the_o west_n side_n of_o the_o croft_a belong_v to_o the_o message_n of_o will._n de_fw-fr westbrigg_n aught_o to_o be_v always_o scour_v and_o maintain_v among_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o common_a sewer_n unto_o the_o north_n part_n of_o the_o abbot_n of_o dereham_n land_n by_o the_o hadeland_n there_o lie_v and_o tâ—ere_o turn_v near_o the_o same_o laâ—d_n to_o the_o sewer_n next_o unto_o the_o drive_v and_o that_o the_o trench_n betwixt_o the_o tenement_n of_o john_n the_o son_n of_o peter_n drugh_n &_o john_n sabine_n anâ—_n elsewhere_o in_o the_o hâ—â—eland_n call_v sonnerâ—â—ye_n which_o be_v undue_o make_v a_o common_a path_n shall_v be_v forthwith_o stop_v up_o and_o so_o keep_v thenceforth_o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o same_o path_n may_v be_v hinder_v and_o they_o moreover_o ordain_v all_o the_o sewer_n belong_v to_o the_o say_a town_n of_o tilney_n and_o islington_n to_o be_v open_v in_o every_o place_n and_o so_o keep_v for_o ever_o and_o they_o far_o decree_v that_o for_o the_o inviolable_a performance_n of_o all_o the_o before-specified_n ordinance_n reasonable_a tax_n shall_v be_v moderate_o assess_v by_o the_o guardian_n for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o those_o place_n and_o chief_o by_o xij_o other_o authorize_v and_o associate_v to_o they_o and_o then_o collect_v by_o geffrey_n at_o falyate_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o say_v guardian_n with_o the_o assistance_n of_o those_o twelve_o shall_v diligent_o inquire_v of_o the_o transgressor_n of_o those_o ordinance_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o make_v due_a satisfaction_n for_o the_o same_o by_o distress_n &_o sâ—le_n of_o their_o good_n &_o grievous_a amercement_n as_o often_o as_o there_o shall_v be_v occasion_n and_o the_o say_a juror_n do_v also_o decree_n that_o the_o same_o penalty_n and_o punishment_n against_o such_o as_o shall_v violate_v those_o ordinance_n or_o negligent_o in_o any_o sort_n withdraw_v themselves_o in_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o shall_v firm_o and_o inviolable_o be_v impose_v from_o thenceforth_o forever_o as_o be_v then_o and_o have_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n be_v use_v in_o wigenhale_n and_o other_o town_n in_o these_o part_n of_o marshland_n for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o the_o country_n viz._n that_o as_o often_o as_o any_o one_o of_o what_o estate_n or_o condition_n soever_o shall_v not_o repair_v his_o proportion_n of_o the_o bank_n ditch_n and_o causey_n before-specified_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o say_a town_n of_o tilney_n and_o islington_n as_o also_o the_o say_v common_a sewer_n belong_v to_o he_o according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n aforesaid_a that_o a_o fit_a day_n shall_v be_v assign_v he_o by_o the_o before-specified_n guardian_n before_o which_o no_o peril_n may_v probable_o happen_v and_o in_o case_n he_o do_v not_o perform_v the_o same_o within_o that_o time_n that_o xiid._o which_o be_v call_v a_o bilawe_n shall_v be_v levy_v upon_o he_o fâ—r_v every_o perch_n unrepaired_a ☞_o and_o then_o aâ—â—â—â—er_a day_n to_o be_v give_v he_o to_o accompâ—â—â—â—â—he_v same_o before_o which_o no_o danger_n may_v in_o likelihood_n happen_v and_o in_o case_n he_o do_v not_o make_v performance_n thereof_o before_o that_o time_n that_o then_o he_o shall_v pâ—y_v for_o every_o perch_n two_o shilling_n which_o be_v call_v biscot_n and_o then_o that_o a_o three_o day_n shall_v be_v allow_v he_o to_o effect_v the_o same_o before_o which_o no_o peril_n may_v probable_o happen_v within_o which_o time_n in_o case_n he_o fail_v to_o pay_v for_o every_o acre_n three_o shilling_n which_o be_v call_v triscot_n and_o thenceforth_o that_o the_o say_v delinquent_n in_o those_o neglect_v to_o be_v always_o distrain_v and_o the_o distress_n to_o be_v prize_v open_o and_o sell_v by_o xij_o honest_a and_o lawful_a man_n of_o the_o say_a town_n of_o tilney_n and_o ilsington_n and_o the_o money_n arise_v by_o such_o sale_n oâ—_n those_o distress_n employ_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o say_a repair_n and_o the_o remainder_n in_o case_n there_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v any_o to_o be_v forthwith_o restore_v save_v always_o to_o the_o say_a guardian_n the_o forfeiture_n of_o the_o bilaw_n biscots_n and_o triscots_n for_o the_o cause_n aforesaid_a in_o the_o winter_n season_n of_o this_o year_n so_o great_a be_v the_o tempest_n 18._o that_o the_o town_n of_o walsoken_n westwalton_n and_o enemuthe_n receive_v extraordinary_a loss_n by_o inundation_n from_o the_o sea_n insomuch_o as_o they_o become_v petitioner_n to_o the_o king_n for_o some_o alleviation_n of_o the_o tax_n of_o a_o fifteen_o then_o grant_v to_o he_o in_o parliament_n by_o the_o commons_o of_o this_o realm_n whereunto_o the_o say_a king_n do_v gracious_o condescend_v and_o thereupon_o direct_v his_o precept_n 18._o to_o the_o treasurer_n and_o baron_n of_o his_o exchequer_n as_o also_o to_o the_o assessor_n and_o collector_n of_o the_o same_o to_o abate_v unto_o they_o eight_o pound_n thereof_o the_o whole_a sum_n be_v lx_o the_o next_o yâ—ar_n â—ollowing_v geffrey_n de_fw-fr colevill_n roger_n de_fw-fr hakebeche_n geffrey_n bryseyard_n and_o adam_n de_fw-fr fincham_n be_v constitute_v 18._o commissioner_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n and_o sewer_n neâ—r_v walpole_n in_o this_o province_n in_o the_o winter_n of_o which_o year_n the_o sea_n be_v so_o outrageous_a that_o it_o break_v the_o
bank_n in_o sunâ—â—y_a place_n drown_v many_o cattle_n and_o spoylâ—d_v a_o great_a quantity_n of_o corn_n so_o that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o tuney_n walpoâ—â—_n wâ—lsokne_v west_n walton_fw-mi 〈…〉_z petition_v 18._o the_o king_n â—or_a remedy_n â—â—â—rein_o he_o assign_v 18._o constantine_n dâ—_n moâ—tiâ—â—er_n john_n de_fw-fr hiderseâ—e_n and_o john_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr â—â—kele_n to_o make_v enquiry_n thereof_o and_o consider_v of_o some_o speedy_a way_n of_o redress_n whereupon_o a_o jury_n be_v impanel_v and_o swear_v who_o present_v tilney_n upon_o oath_n that_o the_o town_n of_o tilney_n have_v a_o câ—rtain_a bank_n towards_o the_o sâ—a_n on_o the_o east_n part_n of_o the_o say_a town_n extend_v itself_o from_o the_o town_n of_o clenchwarton_n towards_o wigenhale_n and_o contain_v in_o length_n two_o mile_n the_o charge_n in_o repair_n and_o maintenance_n of_o one_o mile_n and_o a_o halâ—_n thereof_o amount_v to_o lviiil._o xs._o viz._n for_o â—very_n perch_v xviii_o d._n and_o the_o other_o half_a mile_n vil._o xs._o viz._n for_o â—very_n pâ—rch_fw-mi vi_fw-mi d._n and_o they_o say_v that_o upon_o monday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o st._n hillary_n precede_v the_o same_o bank_n be_v so_o break_v by_o the_o rage_a of_o the_o sea_n in_o no_o less_o than_o five_o place_n that_o the_o town_n of_o tilney_n be_v overflow_v with_o the_o sea_n water_n and_o the_o land_n meadow_n and_o pasture_n belong_v thereto_o continual_o drown_v for_o the_o space_n of_o seven_o day_n by_o which_o mean_v their_o winter-corn_n then_o sow_v upon_o the_o ground_n be_v destroy_v as_o also_o much_o of_o the_o corn_n and_o hay_n in_o their_o barn_n with_o c._n murrons_n and_o lx._n ewe_n to_o the_o damage_n of_o cccl._o unto_o the_o say_a town_n and_o they_o say_v that_o before_o thâ—y_n can_v make_v good_a that_o bank_n call_v the_o indike_n contain_v four_o furlong_n and_o a_o half_a in_o length_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o say_a town_n five_o message_n and_o xl_o acre_n of_o ground_n which_o be_v the_o land_n of_o thomas_n de_fw-fr ingaldesthorpe_n and_o other_o with_o divers_a good_n then_o therein_o be_v be_v utter_o lose_v to_o the_o damage_n of_o a_o cl._o and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o town_n expend_v in_o the_o repair_n the_o say_v four_o furlong_n and_o a_o half_a of_o the_o same_o indike_n xll._o and_o that_o to_o make_v the_o same_o good_a as_o it_o ancient_o have_v be_v will_v require_v lxl._o more_o and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o lx._n year_n then_o past_a one_o parish_n church_n with_o the_o parsonage_n be_v by_o the_o break_n in_o of_o the_o sea_n ruin_v and_o within_o thirty_o year_n a_o manor_n house_n of_o robert_n de_fw-fr scales_n and_o of_o his_o tenant_n and_o other_o xx_o message_n â—_o with_o a_o hundred_o acre_n of_o land_n utter_o lose_v for_o ever_o and_o they_o far_o say_v that_o the_o same_o town_n of_o tâ—lney_n have_v another_o bank_n on_o the_o north_n side_n thereof_o for_o its_o defence_n towards_o the_o sea_n viz._n in_o length_n from_o tyrington_n one_o mile_n towards_o clâ—nchwarton_n the_o repair_n whereof_o stand_v they_o in_o xls._o by_o the_o year_n and_o that_o they_o have_v another_o bank_n towards_o the_o fen_n call_v pokediche_n contain_v in_o length_n one_o mile_n for_o defence_n thereof_o against_o the_o fresh_a water_n the_o repair_n whereof_o stand_v they_o in_o xls._o per_fw-la anum_fw-la and_o that_o the_o whole_a yearly_a charge_n which_o the_o say_a town_n of_o tilney_n do_v undergo_v in_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n gutter_n great_a and_o small_a bridge_n kays_n and_o schore_n with_o several_a sewer_n for_o the_o preservation_n thereof_o come_v to_o cxll._o and_o they_o likewise_o say_v that_o this_o town_n of_o tilney_n by_o that_o grievous_a tempest_n so_o happen_v upon_o the_o monday_n before-specified_n lose_v one_o gutter_n call_v scales_n goule_n to_o their_o damage_n of_o xxxl._o and_o that_o the_o charge_n in_o new_a make_n of_o xij_o new_a gutter_n great_a and_o small_a five_o bridge_n to_o be_v new_o make_v or_o repair_v and_o divers_a sewer_n will_v amount_v unto_o xxxl._o which_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v do_v the_o summer_n follow_v and_o they_o say_v that_o these_o danger_n do_v every_o year_n much_o increase_v upon_o they_o in_o regard_n that_o the_o fifteen_o tax_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o two_o precede_a year_n amount_v to_o lxl._o and_o the_o raise_n arm_a and_o array_v of_o hobelar_n and_o mariner_n xxl._o there_o be_v dccxlvij_o acre_n of_o land_n lie_v within_o they_o which_o belong_v to_o the_o abbey_n of_o s._n edmundsbury_n and_o dereham_n and_o other_o religious_a house_n which_o be_v assess_v with_o the_o spirituality_n and_o therefore_o contribute_v nothing_o therein_o and_o they_o say_v 112._o that_o the_o town_n of_o walpole_n have_v a_o certain_a bank_n on_o the_o north_n part_v thereof_o for_o its_o defence_n towards_o the_o sea_n which_o bank_n extend_v from_o the_o town_n of_o tirington_n to_o the_o gutter_n of_o waltone_n walpoâ—e_n call_v noâ—â—che_n goal_n contain_v in_o length_n three_o mile_n whereof_o two_o mile_n will_v require_v ccl._o per_fw-la annum_fw-la charge_n and_o the_o residue_n xls._o and_o they_o also_o say_v that_o upon_o the_o before-specified_n monday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n hilary_n the_o same_o bank_n be_v so_o tear_v by_o the_o rage_a of_o the_o sea_n that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o say_v â—own_v bestow_v xl_o in_o the_o repair_n thereof_o and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o in_o the_o eight_o year_n of_o the_o same_o king_n reign_n upon_o the_o eve_n of_o s._n andrew_n a_o certain_a sea-bank_n at_o ristofte_a break_v by_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o wave_n whereby_o two_o hundred_o acre_n of_o land_n be_v utter_o lose_v for_o ever_o and_o that_o within_o thirty_o year_n thâ—n_n last_o pass_v they_o likewise_o lose_v for_o ever_o one_o parish_n church_n xx_o message_n and_o ccc_o acre_n of_o land_n and_o likewise_o that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o town_n be_v at_o the_o yearly_a charge_n of_o lxs._o in_o repair_v of_o the_o gutter_n great_a and_o small_a with_o divers_a bridge_n belong_v thereto_o and_o that_o the_o say_a town_n have_v also_o another_o bank_n towards_o the_o fen_n call_v pokediche_n for_o defence_n thereof_o from_o the_o fresh_a water_n which_o bank_n contain_v one_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o stand_v they_o in_o xls._o per_fw-la annum_fw-la repair_n and_o they_o say_v walsokne_v that_o the_o town_n of_o walsokne_v have_v a_o certain_a bank_n for_o its_o defence_n towards_o the_o sea_n extend_v from_o warfanglestowe_n to_o emen_v meny_n and_o cotain_v in_o length_n three_o mile_n whereof_o the_o repair_n for_o one_o mile_n amount_v to_o xxvil._o per_fw-la annum_fw-la viz._n for_o every_o perch_n vid._o and_o that_o the_o same_o bank_n be_v so_o break_v by_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o sea_n upon_o the_o before-specified_n monday_n that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o say_a town_n be_v at_o xxl._n cost_v in_o repair_n thereof_o and_o that_o in_o the_o eight_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o say_a king_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n they_o spend_v xxxl_o and_o that_o the_o yearly_a charge_n in_o repair_n of_o the_o gutter_n great_a and_o small_a and_o bridge_n for_o safeguard_n of_o the_o t_o say_v own_o amount_v to_o cs._o and_o they_o likewise_o say_v that_o the_o same_o town_n have_v a_o certain_a bank_n call_v pokediche_n towards_o the_o fen_n for_o defence_n thereof_o from_o the_o fresh_a water_n which_o bank_n contain_v one_o mile_n in_o length_n have_v xls._o per_fw-la annum_fw-la bestow_v thereon_o in_o repair_n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o before-specified_n inhabitant_n in_o repair_v of_o one_o gutter_n at_o colevile_n mill_n in_o the_o twelve_o year_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o second_o be_v reign_v and_o another_o at_o coldhirne_n in_o the_o eighteen_o year_n for_o drayn_v the_o water_n from_o their_o land_n to_o the_o sea_n expend_v xl_o l._n and_o that_o the_o stream_n of_o the_o water_n called_z wallenhee_o which_o have_v wont_a to_o run_v towards_o the_o sea_n under_o the_o sea-bank_n of_o walsokne_v where_o it_o have_v make_v so_o great_a a_o depth_n and_o hollowness_n ☞_o that_o the_o land_n in_o that_o town_n have_v a_o sufficient_a evacuation_n of_o their_o water_n to_o the_o sea_n thereby_o be_v at_o the_o suit_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o county_n of_o northampton_n cambridge_n huntendon_n eee_o and_o lincoln_n make_v to_o the_o king_n and_o judgement_n of_o his_o court_n divert_v towards_o wigenhale_n by_o well_o dam_v the_o sand_n be_v grow_v to_o that_o height_n in_o those_o channel_n wherein_o it_o have_v former_o pass_v that_o the_o waâ—ers_n of_o the_o say_a town_n of_o walsokne_v can_v not_o drain_v any_o long_a that_o way_n by_o reason_n whereof_o no_o less_o than_o ccc_o acre_n
of_o ground_n sow_v with_o winter_n corn_n be_v in_o the_o seven_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o say_a king_n edward_n 3_o overflow_v and_o drown_v to_o the_o damage_n of_o fifty_o pound_n viz._n every_o acre_n xl_o d._n and_o in_o the_o eight_o nine_o and_o ten_o yearâ—_n for_o want_v of_o the_o like_a drayn_n their_o loss_n be_v xlv_o l._n viz._n every_o year_n for_o each_o acre_n xij_o d._n uualton_n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o town_n of_o west_n walton_n with_o the_o hamlet_n of_o eneme_v have_v a_o bank_n for_o defence_n of_o the_o sea_n beginning_n at_o nobeche_n gotâ—_n and_o extend_v itself_o in_o length_n to_o a_o certain_a boundary_a call_v uuarthanglâ—stoke_n two_o mile_n and_o a_o half_a whereof_o one_o mile_n coâ—t_v they_o xl_o l._n and_o that_o they_o have_v another_o bank_n of_o defence_n against_o the_o sea_n extend_v itself_o from_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v mâ—râ—iche_n to_o boxted_n hirne_n contain_v in_o length_n three_o mile_n the_o repair_n whereof_o do_v cost_v yearly_a in_o the_o whole_a vi_fw-la l._n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o same_o bank_n in_o uuest_n walton_n be_v so_o break_v in_o the_o winter_n precede_v upon_o the_o say_v monday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n hilary_n that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o town_n and_o hamlet_n be_v at_o lx_o l._n charge_v for_o repair_v thereof_o and_o for_o safeguard_n of_o the_o same_o over_o and_o above_o the_o cost_n which_o they_o yearly_o have_v use_v to_o be_v at_o therein_o and_o that_o in_o the_o say_v eight_o year_n of_o the_o before-specified_n king_n on_o the_o same_o eve_n of_o s._n andrew_n the_o apostle_n they_o lose_v by_o the_o rage_a of_o the_o sea_n fourscore_o acre_n of_o land_n by_o reason_n whereof_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o make_v a_o new_a sea-bank_n of_o four_o furlong_n in_o length_n which_o cost_v fourscore_o pound_n viz._n every_o particle_n x_o s._n and_o that_o in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o the_o say_a king_n they_o lose_v seven_o message_n and_o sevenscore_n acre_n of_o land_n and_o a_o half_a by_o the_o violence_n likewise_o of_o the_o sea_n and_o in_o the_o ten_o year_n of_o k._n edw._n the_o second_o they_o also_o lose_v by_o the_o like_a mean_n xiij_o message_n and_o eightscore_o acre_n and_o a_o half_a of_o land_n and_o in_o the_o second_o year_n of_o the_o same_o king_n edward_n 2._o xij_o message_n and_o sixscore_a acre_n of_o land_n and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o certain_a bank_n call_v pokediche_n for_o defence_n against_o the_o fresh_a water_n contain_v in_o length_n one_o mile_n which_o stand_v they_o in_o xl_o s._n per_fw-la annum_fw-la charge_n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o same_o town_n and_o hamlet_n do_v maintain_v three_o gutter_n for_o drayn_v away_o of_o the_o fresh_a water_n one_o towards_o the_o sea_n and_o two_o towards_o the_o fen_n which_o be_v new_o repair_v in_o the_o nine_o year_n of_o the_o then_o king_n to_o the_o cost_n and_o expense_n of_o xl_o l._n and_o that_o the_o yearly_a charge_n in_o repair_n of_o they_o come_v to_o xx_o s._n and_o that_o in_o gutter_n pipe_n sewer_n and_o bridge_n they_o spend_v yearly_o no_o less_o than_o lx_o s._n and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o the_o four_o town_n beforementioned_a with_o the_o hamlet_n have_v a_o certain_a gutter_n call_v knight_n goal_n which_o then_o want_v repair_v as_o also_o a_o certain_a sewer_n to_o thesame_a gutter_n extend_v itself_o five_o mile_n in_o length_n the_o charge_n in_o repair_v whereof_o amount_v to_o lx_o l._n and_o they_o say_v that_o uuigenhale_n uuigenhale_n tirington_n and_o south_n lenne_n be_v neighbour_a town_n and_o that_o uuigenhale_n have_v a_o certain_a bank_n contain_v in_o length_n seven_o mile_n on_o one_o side_n the_o great_a river_n call_v uuigenhale_n he_o ☜_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o that_o river_n a_o bank_n of_o three_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o certain_a bank_n for_o defend_v of_o the_o fresh_a water_n as_o also_o bridges_n pipe_n and_o sewer_n causy_n and_o floudgate_n which_o occasion_v they_o much_o expense_n every_o year_n and_o they_o say_v that_o on_o the_o morrow_n after_o the_o epiphany_n in_o the_o three_o year_n of_o the_o then_o king_n a_o certain_a bank_n on_o the_o west_n part_n of_o the_o say_a river_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o rage_a of_o the_o sea_n break_v so_o that_o the_o tide_n enter_v and_o overflow_v a_o thousand_o acre_n of_o land_n sow_v with_o corn_n to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o the_o same_o town_n and_o that_o on_o the_o west_n part_n of_o the_o say_a river_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o like_a tempest_n happen_v upon_o the_o eve_n of_o s._n hilary_n next_o before_o the_o before-specified_n bank_n be_v break_v and_o tear_v so_o that_o the_o tide_n enter_v bear_v down_o a_o house_n and_o overflow_v cc._o acre_n of_o land_n sow_v with_o corn._n and_o that_o on_o the_o eve_n of_o s._n andrew_n in_o the_o eight_o year_n of_o the_o same_o king_n the_o say_a bank_n be_v by_o the_o like_a mishap_n break_v again_o for_o the_o length_n of_o three_o furlong_n in_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v burtys_n bithe_a insomuch_o as_o the_o tide_n flow_v in_o thereat_o overwhelm_v a_o thousand_o acre_n of_o land_n sow_v with_o corn_n and_o that_o on_o the_o morrow_n after_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n hilary_n then_o last_v pass_v there_o be_v by_o the_o like_a mean_n a_o breach_n make_v on_o the_o east_n part_n of_o the_o same_o river_n whereby_o eightscore_o acre_n of_o land_n sow_v with_o corn_n be_v overflow_v tirington_n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o man_n of_o tirington_n have_v a_o certain_a sea-bank_n contain_v three_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o another_o bank_n for_o defence_n of_o the_o fresh_a water_n as_o also_o gutter_n bridge_n sewer_n and_o causy_n which_o occasion_v they_o great_a expense_n every_o year_n and_o that_o the_o gutter_n call_v orehowe_v be_v break_v on_o the_o eve_n of_o s._n hijlarie_o than_o last_o pass_v and_o likewise_o another_o gutter_n call_v newethrowe_v by_o the_o violence_n also_o of_o the_o sea_n both_o which_o do_v then_o want_v repair_n and_o that_o a_o certain_a gutter_n call_v giggesthorne_n be_v also_o so_o break_v that_o it_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o repair_n and_o they_o last_o say_v that_o the_o town_n of_o south_n lenne_n with_o the_o hamlet_n have_v a_o sea-bank_n and_o sewer_n with_o bridge_n and_o floodgate_n which_o be_v also_o very_o chargeable_a to_o they_o the_o say_a king_n therefore_o much_o compassionate_v the_o great_a loss_n which_o the_o inhabitant_n beforementioned_a do_v sustain_v by_o reason_n of_o those_o lamentable_a breach_n in_o their_o bank_n and_o inundation_n of_o the_o sea_n as_o aforesaid_a constitute_v dorso_fw-la john_n howard_n senior_a gilbert_n de_fw-fr hâ—thil_n geffrey_n de_fw-fr brusierd_v john_n de_fw-fr swaâ—ham_n and_o adam_n de_fw-fr walfokne_v his_o commissioner_n to_o view_v the_o same_o and_o to_o make_v new_a agistment_n for_o the_o same_o sea-bank_n for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o the_o country_n as_o often_o as_o need_n shall_v require_v and_o the_o next_o year_n follow_v there_o be_v 40._o a_o ten_o and_o fifteen_o to_o be_v assess_v and_o collect_v which_o have_v be_v grant_v to_o the_o king_n in_o his_o parliament_n hold_v at_o nottingham_n about_o two_o year_n before_o upon_o the_o humble_a petition_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o tilneye_n walpolâ—_n walsoâ—ne_n and_o west_n uuaiton_n and_o the_o hamlet_n of_o enemethe_n as_o also_o of_o the_o town_n of_o uuigenhale_n and_o tirington_n exhibit_v to_o the_o say_a king_n by_o which_o they_o represent_v their_o extraordinary_a loss_n by_o the_o before-specified_n inundation_n desire_v that_o the_o assessment_n may_v not_o extent_n to_o any_o other_o of_o their_o good_n and_o catal_o than_o what_o they_o have_v remain_v after_o those_o their_o disaster_n the_o king_n tender_o commiserate_v their_o condition_n require_v constantine_n de_fw-fr mortimer_n and_o john_n de_fw-fr hedersete_n who_o be_v then_o appoint_v collector_n thereof_o in_o this_o county_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o assess_v it_o in_o the_o town_n beforementioned_a otherwise_o than_o according_a to_o the_o direction_n which_o they_o have_v special_o receive_v from_o himself_o under_o his_o seal_n to_o that_o purpose_n whereby_o tilney_n be_v tax_v at_o xl._o uualpole_n at_o xvil._o viijs._o walsokne_v at_o xijl._o uuesâ—waltone_n with_o the_o hamlet_n at_o xvil._o ijs._o uuigenhale_n at_o j_o xil._o iiijs._o &_o tiryngton_n at_o xvil._o ixs._o vid._o and_o thereupon_o he_o command_v ibid._n the_o treasurer_n and_o baron_n of_o his_o exchequer_n that_o they_o shall_v for_o the_o consideration_n aforesaid_a accept_v thereof_o and_o upon_o payment_n of_o those_o sum_n discharge_v they_o of_o the_o same_o in_o 16_o e._n 3._o will._n corbet_n john_n de_fw-fr houtone_n and_o edmund_n noen_n be_v constitute_v dorso_fw-la commissioner_n
have_v promote_v a_o bill_n in_o the_o parliament_n then_o sit_v wherein_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o the_o course_n of_o the_o say_a river_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v make_v narrow_a under_o pretence_n that_o if_o it_o shall_v not_o only_o the_o port_n of_o the_o say_a town_n of_o lenne_n will_v be_v destroy_v but_o the_o county_n of_o cambridge_n huntendon_n northampton_n bedford_n buckingham_z leycester_n uuarwick_n derby_n and_o suffolk_z will_v sustain_v much_o damage_n thereby_o and_o that_o the_o say_a bill_n be_v malicious_o make_v and_o without_o reason_n as_o it_o may_v be_v just_o prove_v in_o case_n the_o say_a king_n will_v condescend_v that_o the_o justice_n put_v in_o authority_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o say_a country_n will_v do_v their_o duty_n therein_o and_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n consider_v the_o sudden_a mischief_n and_o destruction_n which_o may_v happen_v by_o one_o hour_n neglect_n the_o whole_a country_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o irrecoverable_a drown_n desire_v that_o the_o say_v justice_n may_v not_o be_v supersede_v but_o that_o they_o may_v proceed_v to_o reduce_v the_o same_o river_n into_o its_o ancient_a bound_n and_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o it_o be_v before_o the_o boisterous_a flood_n have_v carry_v away_o the_o before-specified_n banks_n and_o the_o country_n so_o surround_v in_o 37_o e._n 3._o sir_n saier_n de_fw-fr rocheford_n sir_n robert_n de_fw-fr causton_n sir_n hugh_n lovet_n and_o sir_n ralph_n rocheford_n knight_n thomas_n atte_n lethe_n and_o other_o be_v appoint_v dorso_fw-la to_o view_v and_o repair_v the_o bank_n ditch_n and_o sewer_n betwixt_o the_o river_n of_o wellestreme_a wysebeche_n welle_v and_o wigenhale_n in_o this_o province_n of_o mershland_n with_o direction_n to_o proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n the_o like_a commission_n dorso_o have_v rob._n de_fw-fr ufford_n earl_n of_o suffolk_n robert_n de_fw-fr thorpe_n and_o john_n knyvet_n for_o those_o bank_n etc._n etc._n betwixt_o lenne_n and_o wygenhale_n so_o also_o in_o 51_o e._n 3._o have_v dorso_fw-la robert_n howard_n john_n colevyle_n ralph_n de_fw-fr rocheford_n and_o other_o for_o all_o the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n throughout_o this_o whole_a province_n and_o in_o dorso_fw-la 1_o r._n 2._o roger_n scales_n robert_n howard_n john_n colevill_n ralph_n de_fw-fr rocheford_n reginald_n hakebeche_n william_n de_fw-fr petworth_n clerk_n hugh_n de_fw-fr gandeby_n clerk_n john_n de_fw-fr rochefort_n john_n mareschall_n and_o william_n newehous_n it_o seem_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o do_v upon_o that_o petition_n exhibit_v to_o king_n edward_n the_o three_o by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o wygenhale_n and_o the_o other_o town_n therein_o mention_v for_o reduce_v the_o river_n into_o its_o ancient_a bound_n for_o i_o find_v that_o in_o 2_o r._n 2._o they_o present_v another_o dorso_fw-la to_o the_o then_o king_n import_v the_o same_o in_o effect_n as_o the_o other_o do_v add_v that_o the_o say_a water_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o extraordinary_a breadth_n after_o the_o bank_n on_o the_o one_o side_n thereof_o be_v wear_v away_o have_v so_o great_a a_o power_n upon_o the_o bank_n on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o all_o the_o town_n in_o those_o part_n be_v frequent_o overflow_v and_o the_o charge_n in_o maintain_v of_o the_o say_a bank_n grow_v so_o great_a that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a long_a to_o support_v it_o so_o that_o their_o country_n be_v in_o much_o danger_n to_o be_v total_o destroy_v in_o case_n some_o fit_a remedy_n be_v not_o speedy_o use_v the_o say_a king_n therefore_o by_o the_o advice_n and_o assent_n of_o his_o prelate_n and_o noble_n then_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n constitute_v ibid._n william_n de_fw-fr ufford_n earl_n of_o suffolk_n robert_n de_fw-fr wilughby_n william_n de_fw-fr wychingham_n and_o john_n de_o haw_o his_o justice_n to_o take_v view_n of_o those_o bank_n and_o to_o inquire_v what_o remedy_n may_v be_v have_v therein_o whether_o by_o reduce_v the_o say_a stream_n into_o a_o narrow_a compass_n or_o otherwise_o and_o if_o by_o make_v the_o course_n thereof_o narrow_a thenin_n what_o place_n to_o make_v new_a bank_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o in_o what_o manner_n and_o likewise_o to_o inquire_v through_o who_o default_n those_o loss_n have_v thus_o happen_v and_o who_o do_v hold_v any_o land_n tenement_n common_a of_o pasture_n or_o fish_v in_o those_o part_n or_o that_o have_v safeguard_n and_o benefit_n or_o loss_n or_o may_v any_o way_n have_v either_o by_o the_o say_a stream_n aswell_o those_o that_o inhabit_v at_o a_o distance_n as_o those_o that_o live_v near_o unto_o it_o and_o to_o distrain_v they_o for_o the_o repair_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o their_o land_n to_o be_v new_o measure_v by_o acre_n if_o need_n be_v or_o by_o carucate_n or_o quantity_n of_o common_a of_o pasture_n and_o fish_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o commission_n the_o shireeve_n be_v require_v to_o impanell_n b._n a_o jury_n to_o inquire_v etc._n etc._n which_o he_o do_v according_o and_o attended_z the_o say_v justice_n at_o wigenhale_n on_o saturday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o apostle_n peter_n and_o paul_n where_o be_v swear_v they_o present_v b._n as_o follow_v viz._n that_o the_o bank_n on_o each_o side_n the_o before-specified_n river_n run_v up_o from_o the_o main_a sea_n into_o the_o country_n through_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o town_n of_o clenchwarton_n tilney_n islington_n wigenhall_n watlington_n and_o roungeton-holme_n and_o far_o even_o to_o pokediche_n be_v through_o the_o extraordinary_a rage_a of_o the_o sea_n so_o miserable_o break_v and_o tear_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o land_n and_o tenement_n in_o south_n lenne_n hardwick_n uuestwinche_n secchithe_n magna_fw-la and_o secchithe_n parva_fw-la be_v overflow_v and_o destroy_v and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o remedy_n for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o those_o town_n and_o the_o part_n adjacent_a against_o the_o forementioned_a danger_n but_o only_o the_o reduce_n of_o the_o say_a river_n within_o narrow_a bound_n and_o other_o mean_n follow_v and_o they_o say_v that_o such_o a_o restraint_n thereof_o may_v well_o and_o convenient_o be_v do_v for_o the_o safeguard_n beforementioned_a in_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v lark_n hirne_v in_o south_n lynne_n in_o this_o manner_n viz._n that_o whereas_o the_o same_o river_n do_v in_o that_o place_n then_o contain_v in_o itself_o xl_o perch_n in_o breadth_n every_o perch_n be_v reckon_v at_o xuj_o foot_n it_o ought_v of_o necessity_n to_o be_v restrain_v in_o that_o place_n on_o both_o side_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o those_o town_n xxxiiij_o perch_n every_o perch_n be_v of_o the_o length_n abovesaid_a so_o that_o the_o breadth_n of_o the_o channel_n of_o the_o same_o river_n shall_v be_v reduce_v to_o six_o perch_n and_o thence_o on_o the_o east_n side_n of_o the_o same_o river_n that_o a_o new_a bank_n shall_v be_v make_v direct_o to_o a_o certain_a other_o river_n call_v secchithe_n and_o so_o to_o the_o house_n of_o the_o friar_n carmelites_n of_o south_n lenne_n which_o river_n of_o secchithe_n be_v then_o five_o perch_n wide_a as_o they_o present_v but_o ought_v to_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o breadth_n of_o one_o perch_n account_v the_o say_a perch_n at_o xuj_o foot_n long_o as_o aforesaid_a and_o they_o say_v that_o if_o such_o restraint_n of_o that_o river_n beforementioned_a and_o a_o new_a bank_n be_v not_o make_v all_o the_o bank_n on_o each_o side_n the_o say_a stream_n betwixt_o the_o town_n of_o lynne_n and_o pokediche_n will_v be_v total_o ruin_v and_o consequent_o the_o say_a country_n whole_o destroy_v and_o that_o all_o such_o straightning_n of_o the_o say_a river_n aught_o to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o land-holders_n in_o clenchwarton_n tylney_n islington_n and_o wigenhale_n and_o that_o for_o the_o same_o defence_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o form_n aforesaid_a they_o ought_v every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o give_v their_o assistance_n according_a to_o what_o each_o man_n hold_v provide_v always_o that_o no_o tenant_n or_o commoner_n upon_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v tylney_n smethe_n fenn_n and_o on_o another_o place_n call_v marshland_n fen_n shall_v by_o reason_n of_o any_o commodity_n have_v in_o either_o of_o those_o place_n contribute_v any_o thing_n thereto_o and_o they_o likewise_o say_v that_o all_o the_o owner_n of_o land_n from_o larkyshyrne_n to_o the_o common_a way_n which_o lead_v from_o the_o bridge_n at_o wigenhale_n s._n germane_a unto_o the_o bridge_n at_o secchithe_n magna_fw-la and_o from_o hardwick_n house_n direct_o southwards_o to_o the_o say_a bridge_n at_o secchithe_n in_o length_n and_o from_o greâ—nediche_n which_o join_v upon_o hardwick_n dam_n northwards_o and_o gery_n dam_v southwards_o and_o from_o uuest_n wynchegreene_n which_o join_v upon_o gery_n dam_n northwards_o in_o a_o place_n where_o
former_o have_v be_v a_o stone_n bridge_n and_o thence_o direct_o to_o the_o manor_n of_o coldham_n and_o from_o thence_o and_o the_o crofts_n of_o secchithe_n magna_fw-la and_o beyond_o to_o secchithe_n bridge_n and_o thence_o westward_n and_o in_o breadth_n to_o a_o certain_a way_n which_o lead_v from_o sech_n gate_n unto_o jones_n dole_n fence_n and_o thence_o to_o lynne_n dyke_n northwards_o unto_o the_o how_o dyke_n and_o so_o direct_o to_o larkyshirne_v aforesaid_a in_o the_o say_a town_n of_o south_n lynne_n hardwick_n westwinche_n and_o secchithe_n magna_fw-la aught_o to_o contribute_v to_o the_o make_n of_o that_o defence_n every_o man_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o his_o land_n and_o they_o far_o say_v that_o all_o person_n which_o have_v land_n and_o tenement_n in_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v clenchwarton-marshland_n within_o the_o town_n of_o south_n lynne_n aforesaid_a and_o all_o the_o land-holders_n in_o secchithe_n magna_fw-la south_n lynne_n secchithe_n parva_fw-la and_o watlington_n in_o divers_a place_n from_o secchithe_n gate_n southwards_o to_o the_o crofts_n of_o secchithe_n parva_fw-la and_o from_o secchithe_n drain_v westward_n to_o east_n wroe_fw-mi dyke_n at_o watlingtone_n and_o the_o old_a i_fw-mi of_o wigenhale_n as_o also_o all_o the_o land-holders_n in_o watlingtone_n in_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v the_o cornfen_n which_o extend_v itself_o from_o the_o wroedike_n westward_n to_o the_o river_n of_o wigenhale_n and_o from_o poâ—dyke_n southwards_o to_o gery_n dam_v and_o thence_o southwards_o in_o the_o newlande_n to_o deylode_n drive_v and_o from_o wigenhaleâ—bedding_n to_o the_o river_n of_o wigenhale_n westward_n and_o likewise_o all_o the_o land-holders_n in_o the_o town_n of_o roungeton_n holm_n in_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v holme_n bite_v which_o reach_v from_o deyslode_n drive_v to_o green_a yate_n southwards_o aught_o to_o contribute_v to_o the_o straightning_n of_o the_o say_a river_n and_o bank_n to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o before-specified_n place_n as_o aforesaid_a because_o they_o lie_v within_o the_o defence_n and_o safeguard_n and_o have_v or_o may_v have_v benefit_n or_o loss_n by_o the_o say_a river_n and_o bank_n and_o that_o all_o their_o tenant_n likewise_o ought_v to_o make_v repair_n and_o maintain_v the_o say_v new_a bank_n for_o the_o restrain_v of_o those_o river_n within_o the_o beforementioned_a limit_n when_o and_o as_o often_o as_o need_n shall_v require_v and_o they_o say_v that_o this_o restriction_n of_o the_o say_a river_n by_o the_o make_n of_o those_o new_a bank_n in_o the_o place_n before-specified_n will_v be_v a_o secure_a last_a and_o perpetual_a defence_n to_o all_o the_o bank_n and_o all_o the_o land_n lie_v within_o the_o town_n and_o place_n aforesaid_a it_o be_v therefore_o ordain_v by_o the_o say_a justice_n that_o the_o say_a work_n shall_v be_v do_v according_o in_o 11_o r._n 2._o sir_n edmund_n de_fw-fr thorpe_n and_o sir_n philip_n de_fw-fr tilney_n knight_n together_o with_o john_n martial_n be_v appoint_v dorso_fw-la to_o view_v and_o repair_v the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n betwixt_o cattesbak_v and_o the_o fen_n end_n within_o the_o town_n of_o tilney_n the_o like_a commission_n dorso_fw-la in_o 7_o h._n 4._o have_v sir_n thomas_n de_fw-fr skelton_n sir_n john_n de_fw-fr rocheford_n sir_n pain_n tiptoft_n and_o sir_n ralph_n de_fw-fr shelton_n knight_n richard_n norton_n will._n ludington_n and_o william_n snetesham_n for_o all_o those_o bank_n ditch_n and_o sewer_n aswell_o upon_o the_o sea-coast_n as_o otherwise_o belong_v to_o the_o town_n of_o tiryngtone_n walpole_n walton_n walsokne_v enemethe_o welle_v wigenhale_n tylneye_n and_o clenchwarton_n ancient_o ordain_v for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o those_o town_n and_o to_o proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n so_o also_o in_o 10_o h._n 4._o have_v dorso_fw-la the_o same_o sir_n thomas_n de_fw-fr skelton_n with_o sir_n edmund_n de_fw-fr thorpe_n sir_n john_n colvyle_n sir_n ralph_n shelton_n and_o sir_n john_n rocheford_n knight_n richard_n norton_n william_n rees_n william_n ludyngton_n laurence_n trusebut_n and_o richard_n gegge_n for_o all_o those_o sea-bank_n lie_v within_o the_o town_n of_o tyringtone_n for_o the_o safeguard_n thereof_o and_o to_o proceed_v therein_o as_o abovesaid_a in_o the_o same_o year_n the_o abbot_n of_o ramsey_n be_v implead_v 62._o for_o damage_n which_o be_v sustain_v by_o his_o neglect_n in_o repair_v his_o proportion_n of_o pokedike_n for_o his_o land_n in_o walsokne_v and_o in_o 8_o h_n 5._o john_n cokain_n sir_n thomas_n de_fw-fr skelton_n sir_n john_n colvill_n sir_n john_n de_fw-fr rocheford_n and_o sir_n henry_n de_fw-fr rocheford_n knight_n robert_z tirwhit_o richard_n norton_n william_n ludyngtone_n john_n benard_n thomas_n derham_n nich_n morys_n william_n fulbarneâ—_n â—_z and_o robert_n bird_n be_v assign_v dorso_o to_o view_v the_o bank_n ditch_n and_o sewer_n in_o tyrington_n walpole_n waltone_n walsokne_v enemethe_o welle_v wygenale_n tilneye_n and_o clenchwarton_n then_o break_v and_o in_o decay_n and_o to_o take_v order_n for_o their_o repair_n with_o direction_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n what_o they_o do_v therein_o i_o have_v not_o see_v but_o soon_o after_o viz._n in_o 1_o h._n 6._o the_o king_n receive_v information_n m._n that_o the_o bank_n sewer_n &c._n &c._n lie_v betwixt_o the_o water_n of_o welle_v and_o the_o stream_n which_o run_v from_o thence_o to_o salter_n load_n and_o wigenhale_n in_o this_o province_n of_o marshland_n be_v so_o tear_v and_o consume_v partly_o with_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o tide_n and_o partly_o by_o the_o great_a flood_n of_o fresh_a water_n pass_v that_o way_n as_o that_o very_o much_o damage_n have_v happen_v to_o the_o whole_a country_n thereabouts_o constitute_v m._n thomas_n duke_n of_o eâ—eter_n sir_n thomas_z erpingham_z and_o sir_n henry_n rocheforth_o knight_n william_n paston_n john_n schuldham_n simeon_n fyncham_n john_n man_v and_o thomas_n dereham_n commissioner_n to_o view_v the_o same_o and_o to_o make_v such_o agistment_n both_o for_o raise_v of_o new_a bank_n where_o need_n shall_v be_v and_o repair_v the_o breach_n and_o decay_n beforementioned_a in_o such_o sort_n as_o they_o shall_v deem_v most_o expedient_a for_o the_o safeguard_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o country_n which_o commission_n bear_v date_n at_o swynesh_v the_o xij_o day_n of_o april_n in_o the_o year_n abovesaid_a by_o virtue_n whereof_o the_o shireeve_n of_o norfolk_n have_v command_v to_o impanell_n juror_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o downham_n hithe_a upon_o thursday_n next_o before_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n than_o next_o ensue_v who_o then_o and_o there_o attend_v the_o before-specified_n commissioner_n upon_o their_o oath_n present_v that_o the_o bank_n call_v pokediche_n ancient_o make_v for_o safeguard_n of_o the_o town_n in_o this_o province_n of_o marshland_n and_o all_o the_o land_n and_o tenement_n within_o the_o same_o be_v then_o so_o break_v and_o ruinous_a that_o a_o great_a proportion_n of_o ground_n be_v thereby_o overflow_v with_o the_o fresh_a water_n to_o the_o extraordinary_a damage_n of_o all_o such_o person_n as_o be_v landholders_n or_o that_o do_v enjoy_v common_a of_o pasture_n or_o fish_v there_o and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o before-specified_n bank_n can_v not_o be_v make_v firm_a and_o sufficient_a by_o any_o repair_n thereof_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o ground_n whereon_o it_o stand_v consider_v and_o therefore_o they_o ordain_v and_o decree_v that_o for_o the_o better_a preservation_n of_o all_o the_o town_n in_o marshland_n aforesaid_a and_o of_o all_o the_o land_n within_o the_o compass_n thereof_o pokedike_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v another_o wall_n or_o bank_n make_v new_a on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o saltery_n load_n brink_n by_o all_o the_o land-holders_n throughout_o marshland_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o resident_n within_o the_o town_n thereof_o and_o of_o the_o town_n of_o wigenhale_n and_o that_o the_o say_a bank_n so_o to_o be_v make_v new_a shall_v be_v make_v and_o raise_v upon_o the_o north_n side_n of_o the_o great_a river_n which_o pass_v from_o uuelle_n to_o saltery_n load_n and_o uuigenhale_n viz._n from_o the_o shore_n of_o that_o river_n by_o the_o space_n of_o twenty-four_o foot_n as_o also_o to_o begin_v in_o that_o place_n call_v saltery_n load_n and_o to_o extend_v itself_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o priory_n of_o mullycourt_n westward_n and_o that_o the_o height_n thereof_o from_o saltery_n load_n to_o north_n delfe_n shall_v be_v five_o foot_n from_o the_o level_n earth_n and_o the_o thickness_n at_o the_o bottom_n xviij_o foot_n and_o from_o northdelf_n to_o the_o say_a priory_n six_o foot_n in_o height_n from_o the_o ground_n with_o xviij_o foot_n in_o breadth_n at_o the_o bottom_n and_o xij_o at_o the_o top_n of_o good_a measure_n so_o that_o it_o may_v sufficient_o keep_v out_o the_o water_n of_o
the_o fen._n and_o that_o all_o the_o menure_n for_o the_o make_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n shall_v be_v take_v on_o the_o south_n side_n thereof_o near_o the_o water_n but_o not_o within_o the_o space_n of_o xij_o foot_n of_o the_o skirt_n of_o the_o same_o bank_n except_v in_o time_n of_o necessity_n when_o no_o earth_n may_v be_v have_v any_o where_o else_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o inundation_n of_o the_o fresh_a water_n by_o which_o mean_n not_o only_o the_o river_n itself_o may_v be_v enlarge_v in_o breadth_n twelve_o foot_n more_o where_o need_n shall_v require_v for_o the_o better_a carry_v away_o of_o the_o fresh_a water_n but_o the_o kidell_n be_v in_o the_o same_o stream_n may_v be_v sufficient_o widen_v and_o the_o say_a juror_n do_v also_o decree_n and_o ordain_v that_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a for_o every_o man_n in_o make_v his_o proportion_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n to_o dig_v earth_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o the_o same_o in_o winter_n time_n when_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o flood_n of_o fresh_a water_n come_v down_o it_o can_v not_o be_v take_v on_o the_o south_n side_n so_o that_o such_o dig_v on_o the_o say_a north_n side_n be_v xl_o foot_n distant_a from_o the_o same_o upon_o penalty_n of_o be_v amerce_v and_o they_o likewise_o decree_v that_o every_o land-holder_n have_v land_n within_o any_o of_o the_o say_a town_n of_o marshland_n and_o town_n of_o wigenhale_n as_o also_o within_o the_o precinct_n aforesaid_a shall_v have_v his_o portion_n of_o the_o same_o bank_n assign_v to_o he_o according_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o his_o land_n according_a to_o a_o new_a agistment_n to_o be_v thereof_o make_v and_o that_o all_o the_o land-holders_n in_o stow_n bardolf_n betwixt_o the_o hord_n h_v and_o tilney_n bank_n and_o within_o the_o bank_n of_o stow_n load_n brink_n and_o the_o ferry_n pit_n of_o wigenhale_n shall_v be_v agi_v upon_o the_o say_a bank_n each_o man_n according_a to_o what_o he_o hold_v and_o they_o do_v moreover_o ordain_v that_o all_o person_n aswell_o horseman_n as_o footman_n which_o shall_v happen_v to_o come_v to_o the_o repair_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n at_o any_o time_n of_o the_o year_n upon_o necessity_n shall_v have_v free_a and_o safe_a come_n to_o and_o fro_o with_o their_o cart_n and_o other_o thing_n not_o only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o say_a repair_n but_o for_o the_o supervise_v thereof_o and_o to_o stay_v there_o with_o their_o say_a horse_n and_o return_v the_o near_a way_n for_o they_o without_o the_o danger_n of_o any_o amerciament_n distress_n or_o other_o punishment_n for_o so_o do_v save_v always_o to_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o fee_n waif_n estrey_n and_o punishment_n for_o bloud-spilling_a and_o amerciament_n for_o hue_n and_o cry_v there_o levy_v and_o they_o likewise_o ordain_v that_o every_o person_n have_v land_n within_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n so_o to_o be_v new_o make_v and_o that_o may_v have_v safeguard_n and_o benefit_n by_o the_o make_n and_o repair_v thereof_o or_o loss_n by_o its_o not_o make_v shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o the_o make_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o same_o according_a to_o his_o proportion_n betwixt_o the_o say_a priory_n and_o saltery_n load_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o whole_a country_n of_o marshland_n and_o that_o every_o of_o the_o say_a town_n of_o marshland_n and_o town_n of_o wigenhale_n be_v within_o the_o before-specified_n precinct_n shall_v be_v oblige_v according_a to_o his_o proportion_n to_o the_o make_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o say_a bank_n upon_o penalty_n of_o xxl._o to_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o king_n as_o often_o as_o any_o defect_n can_v be_v find_v in_o his_o not_o performance_n thereof_o and_o they_o also_o ordain_v that_o every_o guardian_n of_o the_o same_o bank_n shall_v have_v power_n by_o the_o say_a law_n to_o take_v distress_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o premise_n when_o need_n may_v require_v without_o the_o contradiction_n of_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o and_o that_o every_o such_o guardian_n do_v his_o office_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o tenure_n within_o the_o precinct_n aforesaid_a or_o that_o aught_o to_o do_v it_o shall_v perform_v it_o due_o and_o diligent_o for_o the_o better_a make_v of_o the_o say_a bank_n so_o that_o no_o defect_n may_v be_v find_v therein_o under_o the_o same_o penalty_n as_o be_v ancient_o establish_v by_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o marshland_n for_o the_o make_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o before-specified_n old_a bank_n call_v the_o poke_v diche_a and_o that_o if_o any_o person_n agi_v for_o the_o make_n and_o repair_v thereof_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o his_o tenure_n shall_v be_v find_v refractory_a and_o disobedient_a to_o the_o say_a guardian_n for_o the_o time_n be_v in_o what_o he_o shall_v direct_v that_o then_o he_o to_o be_v distrain_v punish_v and_o compel_v by_o the_o say_a guardian_n for_o the_o well_o and_o sufficient_a performance_n of_o the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o marshland_n and_o they_o moreover_o ordain_v that_o neither_o the_o lord_n nor_o any_o commoner_n shall_v depasture_n his_o cattle_n upon_o the_o say_a bank_n so_o to_o be_v new_o make_v except_v sheep_n nor_o that_o they_o shall_v drive_v any_o cattle_n upon_o the_o same_o for_o the_o future_a avoid_n of_o those_o inestimable_a loss_n which_o have_v happen_v in_o time_n past_a by_o so_o do_v upon_o forfeiture_n of_o a_o penny_n for_o every_o beast_n so_o drive_v or_o there_o depasture_v by_o the_o appointment_n knowledge_n or_o neglect_v of_o those_o that_o aught_o to_o look_v to_o they_o to_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o guardian_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n as_o often_o as_o any_o such_o delinquency_n shall_v happen_v and_o that_o the_o cattle_n find_v depasture_v or_o drive_v aforesaid_a upon_o the_o say_a bank_n sheep_n as_o aforesaid_a except_v to_o be_v take_v and_o impound_v and_o in_o the_o pound_n detain_v until_o the_o owner_n of_o they_o shall_v pay_v the_o before-specified_n penalty_n which_o forfeiture_n to_o be_v employ_v for_o the_o repair_n of_o that_o part_n thereof_o as_o shall_v be_v so_o hurt_v by_o such_o cattle_n also_o they_o do_v ordain_v that_o john_n bekeswell_n and_o his_o heir_n and_o assign_n tenant_n of_o the_o message_n of_o north_n delfe_n shall_v sufficient_o repair_v and_o maintain_v that_o bank_n opposite_a to_o his_o message_n on_o the_o south_n part_n both_o in_o thickness_n and_o height_n as_o often_o as_o need_n shall_v require_v for_o ever_o at_o his_o and_o their_o own_o proper_a cost_n and_o charge_n so_o that_o through_o default_n thereof_o no_o damage_n may_v come_v to_o any_o one_o within_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o same_o under_o the_o penalty_n ancient_o establish_v for_o reparation_n of_o the_o bank_n gutter_n and_o sewer_n in_o these_o part_n of_o marshland_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n thereof_o and_o that_o the_o prior_n of_o mullycourt_n and_o his_o successor_n under_o the_o same_o penalty_n shall_v make_v new_a as_o also_o repair_v and_o maintain_v well_o and_o sufficient_o aswell_o in_o thickness_n as_o height_n one_o bank_n throughout_o his_o priory_n opposite_a thereto_o upon_o the_o south_n side_n and_o they_o likewise_o then_o ordain_v that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o whole_a town_n of_o outwell_n their_o heir_n and_o assign_v shall_v new_o make_v repair_n and_o maintain_v one_o bank_n well_o and_o sufficient_o for_o ever_o both_o in_o thickness_n and_o height_n towards_o the_o before-specified_n great_a river_n and_o on_o the_o north_n side_n thereof_o from_o the_o say_a priory_n of_o mullicourt_n throughout_o all_o the_o town_n of_o outwell_n aforesaid_a unto_o the_o mansion_n house_n of_o thomas_n beaupre_n where_o need_n shall_v require_v upon_o the_o penalty_n abovementioned_a and_o that_o the_o say_v inhabitant_n of_o outwell_n their_o heir_n and_o assign_v shall_v in_o default_n of_o such_o new_a make_n or_o repair_v of_o the_o same_o forfeit_a cs._o to_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o king_n as_o often_o as_o there_o shall_v be_v cause_n by_o that_o their_o neglect_n and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a field_n call_v plawfielde_n lie_v in_o the_o town_n of_o upwâ—ll_n and_o certain_a other_o field_n call_v kyrkfield_n and_o budbeche_n in_o the_o town_n of_o upwell_n and_o outwell_n as_o also_o another_o field_n call_v sandyfield_n in_o the_o town_n of_o outwell_n aforesaid_a which_o be_v every_o year_n overflow_v by_o the_o fresh_a water_n to_o the_o great_a damage_n and_o impoverish_n of_o all_o person_n have_v land_n in_o the_o same_o as_o of_o all_o other_o have_v land_n within_o the_o say_a bank_n call_v pokediche_n then_o to_o be_v new_o make_v and_o therefore_o they_o do_v ordain_v aswell_o for_o the_o better_a safeguard_n of_o all_o the_o land_n lie_v within_o
from_o the_o place_n call_v west_n head_n unto_o welle_v town_n so_o far_o as_o it_o have_v be_v of_o late_a accustom_a viz_o in_o height_n six_o foot_n above_o bardolf_n fenne_n and_o in_o breadth_n at_o the_o foundation_n thirty_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n on_o the_o high_a part_n thereof_o xv_o foot_n 2._o that_o no_o man_n take_v or_o dyke_n any_o menure_n within_o viij_o foot_n of_o the_o south_n part_n of_o the_o same_o pow_o diche_a and_o on_o the_o north_n part_n of_o the_o same_o no_o menure_n to_o be_v take_v within_o c._n foot_n from_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o same_o pow_o diche_a 3._o that_o the_o same_o powdiche_n be_v make_v by_o every_o particular_a township_n whole_a and_o common_a by_o acre_n silver_n and_o not_o otherwise_o and_o the_o same_o to_o be_v do_v by_o every_o township_n by_o whitsunday_n then_o next_o come_n or_o midsummer_n at_o the_o far_a in_o pain_n of_o every_o township_n xll._o to_o be_v levy_v to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o say_a king_n and_o queen_n majesty_n and_o that_o every_o particular_a town_n do_v sufficient_o clay_n their_o particular_a charge_n on_o the_o forepart_n thereof_o in_o thickness_n with_o clay_n one_o foot_n and_o a_o half_a and_o on_o the_o top_n thereof_o one_o foot_n 4._o and_o for_o the_o better_a preservation_n of_o the_o same_o powdiche_n they_o do_v in_o like_a manner_n ordain_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v re-edify_v upon_o the_o say_v powdiche_n three_o house_n that_o be_v to_o say_v one_o at_o north_n hook_n gate_n another_o between_o walpole_n and_o tirington_n gate_n upon_o the_o bank_n and_o powdiche_n and_o the_o three_o at_o welle_v gate_n the_o charge_n to_o be_v levy_v upon_o the_o whole_a township_n of_o marshland_n and_o town_n of_o wigenhall_n by_o acre_n silver_n 5._o that_o if_o any_o man_n be_v then_o indict_v or_o thereafter_o shall_v be_v indict_v vex_v or_o molest_v for_o any_o cause_n touch_v the_o defence_n maintenance_n or_o preservation_n of_o the_o same_o country_n and_o town_n of_o uuigenhale_n then_o they_o and_o every_o of_o they_o to_o be_v defend_v and_o save_v harmless_a by_o the_o say_a country_n and_o town_n of_o uuigenhale_n all_o so_o far_o as_o the_o law_n will_v serve_v and_o permit_v 6._o that_o the_o break_a dyke_n be_v sufficient_o make_v maintain_v and_o repair_v from_o time_n to_o time_n as_o it_o have_v be_v in_o time_n past_a that_o year_n and_o other_o year_n thenceforth_o by_o the_o say_a country_n of_o marshland_n 7._o that_o a_o view_n be_v make_v at_o emneth_n by_o the_o chief_a inhabitant_n of_o the_o country_n where_o there_o may_v be_v new_o make_v and_o re-edify_v within_o the_o level_n and_o rind_n thereof_o a_o new_a dyke_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o water_n if_o break_a dyke_n be_v break_v which_o view_n to_o be_v at_o sandy_a rood_n upon_o the_o friday_n follow_v by_o eight_o of_o the_o clock_n and_o on_o the_o ten_o day_n of_o the_o same_o month_n of_o april_n it_o be_v far_o conclude_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o say_v chief_a inhabitant_n and_o town_n of_o wigenhale_n that_o the_o say_v dyke_n call_v break_v dyke_n shall_v be_v make_v maintain_v and_o keep_v from_o time_n to_o time_n by_o and_o at_o the_o cost_n charge_n and_o expense_n of_o the_o whole_a country_n of_o marshland_n as_o afore-time_o have_v be_v accustom_v and_o that_o a_o new_a dyke_n be_v make_v from_o mill_n dam_n unto_o peter_n sanderson_n house_n and_o so_o by_o the_o high_a way_n direct_o about_o unto_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v suffield_n gate_n in_o such_o height_n thickness_n and_o breadth_n as_o thomas_n guybon_n john_n reppe_n william_n hunston_n and_o thomas_n karvill_n esquire_n richard_n baker_n alias_o lad_n richard_n nichols_n henry_n hunston_n and_o thomas_n hewar_n gentleman_n or_o the_o more_o part_n of_o they_o with_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o workman_n shall_v think_v meet_a and_o convenient_a after_o this_o eliz._n viz._n in_o 8_o eliz._n there_o be_v other_o ordinance_n b._n make_v touch_v the_o bank_n ditch_n and_o sewer_n in_o these_o part_n the_o substance_n whereof_o be_v as_o follow_v viz._n 1_o that_o rightforth_n load_n from_o westhead_n or_o north_n hook_n westward_o be_v but_o 8_o foot_n wide_a aught_o to_o make_v xij_o foot_n in_o breadth_n by_o edmund_n beaupre_n esquire_n and_o so_o every_o person_n &c._n &c._n to_o make_v his_o or_o their_o part_n of_o the_o same_o wideness_n from_o the_o say_v edm._n beaupre_n westward_n and_o so_o to_o stowbridge_n 2_o that_o the_o brink_n of_o the_o great_a river_n from_o stowbridge_n unto_o common_a load_n be_v make_v in_o the_o upper_a part_n 8_o foot_n in_o breadth_n between_o the_o house_n hedge_n and_o wall_n of_o the_o west_n part_n of_o ouse_n 3_o that_o common_a load_n lie_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o stowbridge_n house_n be_v make_v of_o the_o wideness_n of_o xij_o foot_n and_o 4_o foot_n deep_a with_o such_o a_o sluse_n as_o rightforth_n load_n have_v at_o sâ—owbridge_n to_o be_v do_v etc._n etc._n at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o dounham_n wimbotesham_n and_o stow-bardolf_n for_o that_o it_o be_v their_o drayn_n etc._n etc._n 4_o that_o upon_o the_o stop_n of_o newlode_n lie_v between_o common_a load_n and_o downhambridg_v the_o say_a load_n call_v common_a load_n or_o downham_n load_n be_v make_v 5_o that_o the_o goal_n betwixt_o dounham_n bridge_n and_o salter_n load_n to_o be_v make_v xij_o foot_n wide_a and_o 4_o foot_n deep_a and_o to_o extend_v into_o the_o fen_n from_o the_o say_a sluice_n a_o mile_n and_o more_o and_o scour_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o dounham_n 6_o that_o the_o brink_n on_o the_o west_n side_n of_o ouse_n from_o common_a load_n to_o dounham_n brigg_n be_v make_v xij_o foot_n broad_a in_o the_o bottom_n and_o 8_o foot_n on_o the_o top_n and_o one_o foot_n high_o than_o the_o high_a water_n mark_n to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o stow-bardolf_n uuymbotesham_n and_o downham_n 7_o that_o edm._n beaupre_n esquire_n and_o other_o the_o land-holders_n in_o great_a powdichfield_n and_o whart_z meadow_n have_v a_o sluse_n at_o uuelle_n clouse_n at_o the_o north_n head_n of_o whartmedow_n and_o so_o to_o drain_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o marshland_n fen_n 8_o that_o the_o brink_n of_o ouse_n from_o dounham_n bridge_n to_o salter_n load_n be_v make_v xij_o foot_n broad_a in_o the_o bottom_n and_o 8_o foot_n at_o the_o top_n as_o also_o one_o foot_n high_o than_o the_o high_a water_n mark_n 9_o that_o the_o new_a powdiche_n from_o salter_n load_n to_o north_n delft_n be_v make_v xviij_o foot_n broad_a in_o the_o bottom_n xij_o foot_n at_o the_o top_n and_o â—ive_a foot_n in_o height_n from_o the_o plain_a ground_n and_o from_o north_n delft_n to_o mullicourtâ—_n â—_z of_o the_o same_o breadth_n at_o the_o top_n and_o bottom_n and_o six_o foot_n in_o height_n from_o the_o plain_a ground_n all_o which_o to_o be_v do_v and_o keep_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o marshland_n the_o town_n of_o wigenhall_n the_o land-holders_n of_o the_o hundred_o acre_n within_o stow_n bardolf_n call_v the_o lord_n h_v and_o the_o land-holders_n of_o the_o decay_a tenement_n sometime_o bexwell_n at_o north_n delft_n 10._o and_o that_o from_o the_o east_n corner_n of_o mullycourt_n unto_o mullycourt_n drive_v it_o be_v make_v of_o the_o like_a breadth_n at_o the_o bottom_n and_o top_n by_o the_o dean_n of_o ely_n and_o six_o foot_n in_o height_n as_o abovesaid_a which_o say_v powdiche_n from_o mullycourt_a drove_n end_n tend_v westward_n unto_o the_o bridge_n at_o the_o east_n end_n of_o outwell_n church_n and_o thence_o northwest_o unto_o boxstedstile_n which_o be_v the_o far_a bind_v of_o outwell_n towards_o emneth_n and_o be_v the_o division_n betwixt_o the_o half_a hundred_o of_o clakclose_v and_o the_o hundred_o of_o freebridge_n the_o which_o bank_n or_o causey_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v and_o keep_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o town_n of_o outwell_n for_o their_o land_n lie_v in_o mullycourt_n field_n sondy_n field_n and_o powdich_n field_n 11._o that_o the_o river_n of_o welle_v call_v welle_v i_fw-mi come_v from_o the_o bridge_n at_o the_o east_n end_n of_o outwell_n church_n and_o run_v eastward_o till_o it_o come_v opposite_a to_o saltham_n lake_n thence_o south_n east_n unto_o north_n delf_n thence_o eastward_o to_o salter_n load_n to_o be_v make_v xxvij_o foot_n wide_a in_o the_o bottom_n and_o xl_o foot_n at_o the_o top_n from_o the_o say_a bridge_n at_o outwell_n church_n to_o mullycourt_n drove_n end_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o outwell_n and_o from_o thence_o of_o the_o same_o wideness_n by_o the_o dean_n of_o ely_n to_o saltham_n lake_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o salter_n load_n of_o the_o like_a breadth_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o marshland_n and_o town_n of_o uuigenhall_n 12_o that_o at_o the_o end_n of_o
to_o be_v the_o charge_n of_o certain_a other_o land_n of_o a_o c._n acre_n in_o stowe_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o the_o old_a pow_n diche_a which_o be_v whole_o in_o defect_n 16_o all_o which_o bank_n from_o salter_n load_n to_o the_o decay_a message_n of_o north_n delf_n aught_o to_o be_v five_o foot_n above_o the_o fen_n and_o in_o breadth_n in_o the_o bottom_n xviij_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n in_o the_o top_n xij_o foot_n and_o from_o the_o say_a northdelf_n house_n to_o mulai_n court_n the_o say_a bank_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o height_n vi_fw-la foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n in_o the_o bottom_n xviij_o foot_n and_o in_o the_o top_n xij_o foot_n 17_o and_o that_o the_o menure_n for_o the_o repair_n &_o make_v of_o the_o same_o bank_n aught_o to_o be_v take_v on_o the_o south_n side_n xij_o foot_n from_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o same_o bank_n save_v in_o the_o time_n of_o great_a need_n and_o not_o on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o the_o same_o bank_n but_o in_o the_o winter_n time_n and_o when_o for_o the_o inundation_n of_o the_o water_n it_o can_v be_v take_v on_o the_o south_n side_n and_o then_o c._n foot_n from_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o same_o bank_n but_o because_o there_o be_v no_o punishment_n contain_v in_o the_o say_a decree_n for_o such_o offender_n as_o take_v their_o menure_n within_o xij_o foot_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n on_o the_o south_n side_n thereof_o whereby_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n in_o divers_a place_n be_v very_o sore_o diminish_v and_o the_o land_n and_o tenement_n within_o the_o salvation_n aforesaid_a much_o the_o more_o in_o peril_n wherefore_o we_o find_v it_o reasonable_a that_o it_o be_v now_o decree_v that_o every_o person_n that_o shall_v take_v any_o menure_n on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n within_o twelve_o foot_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n except_o in_o time_n of_o great_a necessity_n shall_v lose_v and_o forfeit_v for_o every_o rod_n so_o take_v and_o decay_v as_o aforesaid_a xs._o the_o moiety_n to_o the_o finder_n of_o the_o same_o the_o other_o moiety_n to_o the_o queen_n majesty_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o care_n and_o cost_n so_o outrageous_a be_v the_o storm_n and_o tempest_n which_o do_v beat_v upon_o these_o sea-bank_n that_o on_o monday_n and_o tuesday_n the_o second_o and_o three_o of_o october_n in_o the_o year_n 1570._o 12_o eliz._n they_o make_v ibid._n several_a breach_n in_o they_o whereby_o all_o marshland_n together_o with_o the_o town_n of_o wigenhale_n be_v overflow_v with_o salt_n water_n so_o that_o from_o old_a lynne_n unto_o magdalen_n bridge_n there_o be_v not_o leave_v ten_o rod_n of_o the_o â—aid_a bank_n firm_a and_o whole_a to_o the_o extraordinary_a damage_n of_o all_o the_o country_n how_o these_o breach_n be_v make_v up_o i_o have_v not_o see_v nor_o any_o thing_n else_o considerable_a touch_v these_o part_n until_o 39_o eliz._n that_o there_o be_v complaint_n ibid._n make_v at_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n then_o hold_v at_o beaupre_n hall_n ibid._n that_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o neglect_n of_o keep_v the_o water_n in_o rightforth_n load_n within_o the_o crest_n of_o the_o same_o the_o ground_n on_o the_o north_n part_n of_o the_o say_a load_n be_v in_o time_n of_o great_a inundation_n overflow_v which_o occasion_v the_o tenant_n thereof_o for_o avoid_v of_o the_o water_n to_o cut_v the_o old_a pow_n dike_v and_o to_o issue_v the_o say_a water_n into_o marshland_n fen_n to_o the_o great_a surround_v of_o the_o same_o and_o extraordinary_a loss_n to_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o commoner_n there_o it_o be_v therefore_o ordain_v and_o decree_v by_o the_o say_a commissioner_n that_o if_o any_o person_n or_o person_n whatsoever_o shall_v thenceforth_o attempt_v to_o cut_v the_o say_a bank_n in_o any_o part_n thereof_o to_o the_o intent_n aforesaid_a or_o shall_v lay_v any_o pipe_n or_o sluse_n for_o the_o water_n to_o fall_v through_o the_o same_o other_o than_o such_o as_o be_v already_o lay_v shall_v lose_v and_o forfeit_a to_o the_o say_a queen_n her_o heir_n and_o successor_n xxl._o to_o be_v levy_v of_o the_o good_n and_o chatel_n of_o every_o such_o person_n upon_o every_o such_o default_n after_o this_o divers_a year_n there_o hapue_v a._n a_o mighty_a tide_n upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o april_n 1607._o 5_o jac._n which_o break_v cat_n bank_n and_o drown_v clenchwarton_n on_o the_o xuth_o of_o which_o month_n there_o be_v another_o survey_n arm._n make_v of_o the_o before-specified_n new_a pow_n dike_v together_o with_o a_o agistment_n thereof_o by_o one_o mr._n richard_n atkins_n of_o outwell_n which_o be_v perform_v very_o exact_o by_o the_o rod_n of_o xuj_o foot_n and_o a_o half_a of_o strict_a measure_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o perch_n charge_v upon_o every_o town_n and_o begin_v at_o the_o stone_n erect_v upon_o the_o say_a bank_n near_o mullicourt_n corner_n by_o saltham_n lake_n the_o number_n of_o perch_n from_o mullicourt_n to_o northdelf_n close_n be_v there_o find_v to_o be_v ccccxlix_fw-la according_a to_o the_o large_a hundred_o which_o perfect_o agree_v with_o the_o book_n and_o roll_n of_o the_o country_n from_o whence_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n on_o the_o south_n part_n and_o opposite_a to_o the_o say_a northdelfe_n close_n be_v assign_v to_o the_o heir_n of_o sir_n francis_n gawdey_n knight_n for_o the_o whole_a length_n thereof_o as_o ancient_o it_o have_v be_v and_o from_o that_o place_n it_o go_v on_o more_o towards_o the_o east_n from_o the_o east_n corner_n of_o the_o before-specified_n close_n near_o the_o ditch_n unto_o a_o stone_n fix_v nigh_o salter_n load_n which_o be_v the_o charge_n belong_v to_o stow-bardolf_n for_o those_o land_n call_v the_o hundred_o acre_n but_o this_o part_n be_v measure_v by_o the_o rod_n of_o xvij_o foot_n and_o so_o accord_v perfect_o with_o the_o just_a number_n of_o perch_n ancient_o assign_v to_o each_o town_n of_o marshland_n all_o which_o be_v do_v there_o be_v special_a merestone_n set_v up_o by_o the_o say_v richard_n atkins_n which_o have_v peculiar_a name_n grave_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o do_v distinguish_v the_o several_a proportion_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n charge_v upon_o each_o town_n and_o thence_o for_o the_o hundred_o acre_n of_o stow_n aforesaid_a unto_o the_o ditch_n which_o compass_v the_o tenement_n at_o salter_n load_n be_v twenty-three_o perch_n and_o ten_o foot_n according_a to_o the_o say_v rod._n at_o which_o time_n it_o be_v agree_v betwixt_o the_o dyke-reeves_n who_o be_v then_o in_o office_n that_o the_o proportion_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n charge_v upon_o uuest_n lynne_n shall_v be_v transpose_v and_o agi_v aswell_o above_o as_o below_o with_o tilney_n and_o uuigenhale_n where_o the_o say_a bank_n be_v more_o secure_a in_o regard_n that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o say_a town_n of_o lynne_n have_v be_v find_v so_o negligent_a in_o repair_v and_o maintain_v their_o part_n thereof_o and_o it_o be_v then_o also_o final_o conclude_v betwixt_o the_o principal_a guardian_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n that_o this_o new_a survey_n &_o assignation_n of_o part_n shall_v continue_v in_o force_n for_o ever_o and_o all_o former_o make_v in_o regard_n they_o be_v so_o confuse_v to_o be_v utter_o void_a the_o next_o year_n follow_v on_o the_o xvith_o of_o august_n viz._n 6_o jac._n an._n 1608_o it_o be_v by_o a_o law_n of_o sewer_n decree_v a._n that_o a_o new_a drayn_n or_o lode_n shall_v be_v make_v and_o maintain_v from_o the_o end_n of_o chancelour_n load_n unto_o tylney_n smethe_n on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o bank_n to_o the_o fen-ward_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a ancient_a sewer_n which_o drayn_n to_o be_v xij_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o four_o or_o five_o foot_n in_o depth_n likewise_o that_o a_o sluse_n or_o goal_n shall_v be_v make_v at_o the_o north_n end_n of_o chancelour_n load_n to_o convey_v the_o water_n of_o the_o fen_n into_o the_o common_a sewer_n and_o it_o be_v then_o also_o decree_v that_o the_o land-holders_n on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o wisebeche_n shall_v from_o that_o time_n forward_o â—ew_a and_o pass_v the_o water_n out_o of_o those_o their_o land_n lie_v on_o the_o say_a south_n side_n of_o wisebeche_n between_o the_o river_n of_o wisebeche_n on_o the_o north_n and_o ingham_n field_n halfpenny_n field_n and_o hospital_n field_n on_o the_o south_n and_o gold_n bank_n on_o the_o west_n contain_v by_o estimation_n eleven_o hundred_o acre_n of_o ground_n every_o year_n from_o the_o twenty-five_o of_o march_n until_o the_o first_o of_o november_n by_o a_o pipe_n of_o xviij_o inch_n square_a under_o the_o little_a river_n of_o wisâ—beche_n at_o a_o place_n call_v new_a common_a into_o eneme_v field_n and_o so_o into_o walsoken_n drain_v and_o so_o to_o the_o smethe_v
load_n and_o that_o in_o consideration_n thereof_o the_o say_v land-holders_n shall_v pay_v to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o marshland_n cl._o and_o on_o the_o xxvi_o of_o the_o same_o month_n it_o be_v far_o decree_v ibid._n that_o all_o the_o rind_n bank_n within_o this_o country_n of_o marshland_n towards_o the_o sea_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o height_n and_o scantling_n hereafter_o express_v viz._n in_o terington_n walpole_n west_n walton_n and_o emneth_n in_o height_n eight_o foot_n above_o the_o ordinary_a marshtide_n and_o in_o breadth_n on_o the_o top_n ten_o foot_n and_o that_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o rind_n bank_n in_o islington_n tilney_n west_n lynne_n north-lynne_a and_o clenchwarton_n to_o be_v of_o such_o height_n and_o breadth_n as_o the_o dyke-reeves_n shall_v think_v fit_a as_o also_o that_o register_n book_n of_o parchment_n be_v make_v by_o the_o dykereeves_a in_o every_o town_n contain_v the_o number_n of_o acre_n of_o their_o land_n with_o the_o quantity_n of_o their_o bank_n wall_n wood-shore_n and_o other_o defence_n which_o every_o of_o the_o say_a town_n be_v charge_v to_o make_v either_o to_o the_o sea_n or_o otherwise_o and_o that_o whereas_o the_o town_n of_o terington_n tilney_n and_o clenchwarton_n have_v indikes_a for_o their_o defence_n against_o the_o salt_n water_n in_o case_n any_o sudden_a breach_n of_o the_o sea-bank_n shall_v happen_v it_o be_v decree_v that_o the_o say_v indikes_a shall_v be_v careful_o maintain_v and_o repair_v by_o those_o dyke-reeves_n out_o of_o the_o common_a acreshot_a assess_v within_o every_o of_o the_o say_v to_n after_o this_o at_o another_o iâ—id_n session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v on_o the_o xvijth_o day_n of_o april_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1610_o 8_o jac._n it_o be_v consider_v that_o this_o country_n of_o marshland_n be_v subject_a to_o surround_v aswell_o by_o downfall_n of_o rain_n as_o by_o the_o overflow_a of_o the_o sea_n and_o fresh_a water_n and_o be_v therefore_o keep_v drayn_v by_o sewer_n descend_v to_o knight's-gole_n the_o common_a out-fall_a to_o the_o great_a river_n of_o ouse_n and_o that_o the_o say_a goal_n by_o the_o flow_a and_o ebb_v of_o the_o sea_n be_v then_o so_o silt_v up_o with_o sand_n at_o divers_a time_n especial_o in_o summer_n that_o it_o obstruct_v the_o water_n in_o the_o say_a sewer_n to_o the_o utter_a surround_v of_o all_o the_o fen_n and_o low_a ground_n in_o the_o say_a country_n and_o moreover_o that_o the_o say_a goal_n in_o former_a time_n have_v be_v keep_v and_o perfect_v as_o also_o the_o fleet_n from_o the_o same_o unto_o the_o before-specified_n river_n by_o a_o certain_a ancient_a pair_n of_o clow_n place_v up_o high_o in_o the_o sewer_n thereby_o one_o appoint_v for_o the_o take_n in_o of_o the_o tide_n and_o so_o hold_v up_o the_o water_n between_o a_o pair_n of_o clow_n until_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n be_v run_v low_a and_o then_o forcible_o let_v go_v for_o the_o scour_n of_o sand_n out_o of_o the_o say_a goal_n and_o fleet_n and_o that_o the_o set_v open_a of_o the_o say_a goal_n and_o put_v down_o and_o pull_v up_o the_o say_a clow_n will_v be_v both_o dangerous_a and_o troublesome_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o greatness_n and_o weight_n of_o the_o say_a clow_n make_v to_o that_o purpose_n it_o be_v ordain_v and_o decree_v that_o there_o shall_v in_o consideration_n thereof_o be_v yearly_o pay_v out_o of_o every_o hundred_o acre_n of_o land_n be_v several_a within_o the_o say_a rind_n of_o marshland_n which_o be_v drayn_v by_o the_o say_a goal_n and_o have_v usual_o pay_v thereunto_o the_o sum_n of_o ijd._o ob_fw-la by_o the_o owner_n or_o occupier_n of_o the_o say_a land_n and_o so_o after_o that_o rate_n and_o of_o every_o hundred_o acre_n of_o land_n lie_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o wisebeche_n and_o elm_n oldfield_n and_o outwell_n which_o then_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v drayn_v by_o the_o say_a goal_n by_o the_o owner_n or_o occupier_n thereof_o vd._o and_o so_o after_o that_o rate_n and_o whereas_o the_o land-holders_n of_o oldfield_n in_o clme_n and_o certain_a land_n in_o outwell_n on_o the_o east_n side_n of_o uuelle_fw-fr river_n from_o emneth_n unto_o beaupre_n hall_n and_o so_o to_o ston_a stile_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o old_a pow_n dyke_n have_v at_o divers_a time_n drayn_v their_o say_a land_n in_o oldfiâ—ld_n into_o marshland_n through_o the_o out-rinde_n bank_n of_o marshland_n call_v break_v dyke_n and_o so_o through_o emneth_n into_o marshland_n fenn_n as_o also_o their_o land_n in_o outwell_n to_o the_o great_a hurt_n of_o the_o say_a country_n by_o suffer_v those_o water_n to_o run_v into_o the_o say_a fen_n without_o any_o perfect_a sewer_n to_o carry_v they_o down_o in_o any_o goal_n to_o the_o sea_n and_o likewise_o without_o pay_v any_o tax_n acreshot_a or_o other_o contribution_n towards_o any_o drayn_n sewer_n or_o goal_n in_o marshland_n for_o the_o same_o it_o be_v then_o also_o order_v that_o the_o say_v land_n shall_v not_o thenceforth_o be_v drayn_v into_o marshland_n fenn_n but_o by_o and_o under_o such_o condition_n here_o express_v viz._n that_o the_o land-holders_n of_o oldfield_n and_o outwell_n shall_v before_o the_o xxiiijth_o of_o august_n than_o next_o ensue_v give_v unto_o the_o land-holders_n of_o marshland_n cl._o viz._n the_o land-holders_n of_o oldfield_n lxxvl._o and_o they_o of_o outwell_n xxvl._o towards_o the_o make_n of_o a_o certain_a load_n between_o marshland_n fenn_n and_o smethe_n call_v shore_n load_n in_o wideness_n xij_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n four_o or_o five_o foot_n and_o towards_o the_o make_n of_o three_o sufficient_a stone-bridge_n for_o cart_n to_o pass_v over_o the_o say_v lode_n but_o it_o be_v neither_o the_o strength_n nor_o height_n of_o those_o their_o bank_n so_o repair_v as_o aforesaid_a which_o can_v secure_v they_o from_o that_o dreadful_a inundation_n of_o the_o sea_n happen_v on_o the_o first_o of_o november_n in_o an._n 1613._o 11_o jac._n the_o memorial_n whereof_o i_o shall_v here_o deliver_v from_o a_o inscription_n upon_o the_o east_n wall_n of_o the_o south_n isle_n in_o wisebeche_n church_n to_o the_o immortal_a praise_n of_o god_n almighty_a that_o save_v his_o people_n in_o all_o adversity_n be_v it_o keep_v in_o perpetual_a memory_n that_o on_o the_o feast_n day_n of_o all_o saint_n be_v the_o first_o of_o november_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1613._o late_a in_o the_o night_n the_o sea_n break_v in_o through_o the_o violence_n of_o a_o north-east_n wind_n meet_v with_o a_o spring_n tide_n and_o overflow_v all_o marshland_n with_o this_o town_n of_o wisebeche_n both_o on_o the_o north_n side_n and_o the_o south_n and_o almost_o the_o whole_a hundred_o round_n about_o to_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o man_n life_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o some_o beside_o the_o exceed_a great_a loss_n which_o these_o county_n sustain_v through_o the_o breach_n of_o bank_n and_o spoil_v of_o corn_n cattle_n and_o howse_v which_o can_v not_o be_v estimate_v which_o loss_n with_o other_o thing_n of_o note_n relate_v to_o the_o say_a bank_n and_o the_o particular_a town_n then_o surround_v as_o they_o be_v present_v upon_o oath_n by_o the_o juror_n for_o the_o hundred_o of_o frethebridge_n before_o the_o king_n commissioner_n sit_v at_o lynne_n upon_o the_o ixth_o day_n of_o december_n in_o the_o year_n before-specified_n i_o have_v here_o likewise_o think_v fit_a to_o transcribe_v the_o presentment_n banco_n of_o the_o jury_n for_o the_o hundred_o of_o frebridge_n in_o marshland_n make_v at_o king_n lynne_z 9_o decemb._n 11_o jac._n an._n 1613._o 1_o inprimis_fw-la we_o present_v and_o say_v etc._n etc._n that_o there_o be_v belong_v to_o the_o town_n of_o terington_n terington_n a_o sea-dyke_n contain_v xic_a road_n in_o length_n or_o thereabouts_o which_o be_v in_o good_a repair_n before_o the_o first_o and_o second_o day_n of_o november_n last_o whereof_o ccccxx_n ride_v be_v ruinate_v by_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o sea_n that_o then_o happen_v and_o also_o one_o bridge_n call_v st._n johns_n bridge_n be_v then_o break_v up_o 2_o that_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n lose_v by_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o sea_n etc._n etc._n 1876_o sheep_n amount_v to_o the_o sum_n of_o lviij_o l._n and_o more_o in_o great_a beast_n lose_v 120_o value_v at_o 322_o l._n in_o corn_n sow_v in_o the_o field_n 480_o acre_n value_v at_o thirty_o s._n the_o acre_n amount_v to_o 720_o l._n hay_o lose_v in_o the_o field_n and_o barn_n to_o the_o value_n of_o cc_o l._n corn_n in_o the_o barn_n lose_v to_o the_o value_n of_o dcc_n l._n grass_n in_o the_o field_n lose_v to_o the_o value_n of_o d_o l._n dwelling_v house_n utter_o ruinate_v and_o waste_v xiij_o and_o cxlii_o dwell_a house_n there_o impair_v to_o the_o value_n of_o a_o m_o l._n bedding_n and_o other_o householdstuff_n
down_o to_o pentney_n mill._n that_o pentney_n mill_n be_v pull_v down_o whereby_o the_o drown_n of_o the_o common_a ground_n of_o marham_n and_o shouldham_n may_v be_v prevent_v which_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o keep_n up_o the_o water_n for_o those_o mill_n be_v overflow_v that_o the_o back_n dike_n from_o narborough_n bar_n to_o cardike_n be_v keep_v in_o breadth_n 8_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n 5._o that_o all_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o river_n from_o blackborough_n bridge_n to_o prioursturne_v be_v make_v in_o height_n and_o breadth_n as_o aforesaid_a so_o likewise_o then_o to_o cotehill_n and_o thence_o to_o sechee_n bridge_n that_o the_o drayn_n call_v wronglode_v extend_v from_o woo_v dyke_n to_o tile_n kill_v be_v in_o breadth_n 8_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n 4._o so_o also_o the_o sewer_n call_v woo_v dike_a lie_v in_o marham_n and_o likewise_o car_n dike_a that_o the_o common_a sewer_n call_v bush_n fen_n extend_v from_o the_o say_a car_n dike_a to_o the_o great_a river_n be_v make_v xx_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o five_o foot_n in_o depth_n that_o a_o dam_n be_v make_v on_o the_o west_n side_n of_o bush_n fen_n ea_fw-la in_o dunstall_n dike_a so_o that_o the_o water_n come_v from_o car_n dike_o may_v run_v into_o bush_n fen_n ea._n that_o a_o drain_n in_o marham_n extend_v from_o cross_a yard_n to_o padocks_n hill_n be_v make_v in_o breadth_n five_o foot_n and_o depth_n three_o that_o the_o old_a river_n in_o marham_n be_v make_v 12_o foot_n broad_a and_o four_o foot_n deep_a from_o the_o place_n where_o marham_n mill_n stand_v to_o bear_n head_n thence_o to_o marplot_n dike_a of_o the_o same_o breadth_n and_o depth_n thence_o to_o dunstall_n dike_a and_o thence_o to_o string_n dike_v in_o like_a sort_n that_o dunstall_n dike_o shall_v drayn_n through_o the_o mill_n causey_n by_o a_o sluice_n there_o to_o be_v make_v of_o two_o foot_n square_a into_o a_o dike_n lie_v on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o a_o hop-yard_n call_v hopyard_n dike_a which_o dike_n extend_v from_o the_o say_a causey_n to_o stringdike_n to_o be_v 8_o foot_n wide_o also_o and_o 5_o foot_n deep_a that_o the_o drayn_n in_o marham_n extend_v from_o swan_n nest_n to_o bradwell_n load_n be_v make_v eight_o foot_n wide_a and_o four_o foot_n deep_a that_o bradwell_n load_n extend_v from_o the_o abbey_n yard_n end_n unto_o the_o old_a ea_fw-la and_o so_o to_o the_o cross_a willow_n be_v make_v of_o the_o like_a breadth_n and_o depth_n that_o the_o drayn_n from_o dowhouse-close_a to_o crowdwâ—ll_a gap_n be_v keep_v in_o breadth_n x_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n 4._o so_o likewise_o friday_n load_n extend_v into_o the_o say_a old_a ea._n that_o the_o common_a drayn_n call_v the_o old_a ea_fw-la extend_v from_o haddon_n mill_n to_o black_a dyke_n be_v make_v and_o keep_v 8_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o 4_o in_o depth_n so_o likewise_o from_o haleroft_n bar_n to_o wirmgey_a bridge_n that_o the_o say_v common_a drayn_n or_o old_a ea_fw-la from_o wirmgay_n bridge_n to_o the_o abbey_n stile_n to_o be_v keep_v in_o breadth_n twelve_o foot_n and_o depth_n 5._o and_o from_o the_o say_a abbey_n stile_n to_o cotehill_n and_o so_o to_o the_o great_a river_n xuj_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o in_o depth_n as_o aforesaid_a that_o the_o river_n of_o wisse_n extend_v from_o whittington_n to_o stokebridge_n be_v cleanse_v and_o make_v in_o breadth_n xl_o foot_n that_o stokebridge_n contain_v three_o arch_n of_o the_o wideness_n of_o 40_o foot_n be_v repair_v by_o the_o country_n near_o adjoin_v that_o the_o say_a river_n of_o wisse_n from_o stokebridge_n to_o sandell_n be_v thence_o to_o haveringay_n be_v bishop_n be_v izelham_n be_v coat_n be_v new_o be_v forwere_v helgay_n bridge_n hide_n be_v shellewere_v and_o west_n load_n be_v cleanse_v and_o make_v in_o breadth_n xl_o foot_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o thence_o to_o the_o great_a ouse_n in_o breadth_n 30_o foot_n and_o that_o two_o jetty_n or_o peer_n of_o stone_n xviii_o foot_n distant_a each_o from_o other_o be_v set_v upon_o the_o say_a river_n within_o 200_o foot_n of_o the_o say_a river_n of_o ouse_n that_o the_o landlake_n which_o take_v its_o beginning_n out_o of_o the_o river_n of_o wisse_n at_o be_v dike_a a_o mile_n distant_a from_o stoke_n bridge_n who_o natural_a fall_n to_o the_o sea_n be_v through_o snore_n fen_n through_o helgay_n causey_n in_o a_o pipe_n of_o timber_n or_o stone_n and_o thence_o &c._n &c._n to_o gunnels_n load_n be_v there_o divide_v into_o two_o branch_n the_o one_o direct_o westward_o to_o the_o river_n of_o ousel_n â—_z and_o the_o other_o northwards_o through_o denver_n south_n fenn_n in_o each_o whereof_o near_o the_o say_a river_n ouse_n to_o be_v place_v a_o substantial_a goal_n that_o the_o bank_n on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o wisse_n from_o common_a fengate_n in_o helgay_n be_v make_v 8_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o 4_o foot_n in_o height_n that_o the_o bank_n on_o the_o east_n side_n of_o ouse_n from_o west_n load_n end_n to_o south_n load_n be_v make_v and_o keep_v 8_o foot_n broad_a and_o 4_o foot_n high_a and_o from_o thence_o to_o modney_n cote_n ten_o foot_n broad_a in_o the_o bottom_n 5_o at_o the_o top_n and_o 5_o foot_n in_o height_n that_o the_o drayn_n in_o helgay_n fenn_n call_v the_o wisse_n be_v keep_v in_o breadth_n 12_o foot_n and_o depth_n 4._o unto_o miles_n end_n corner_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n 10_o foot_n broad_a and_o 5_o foot_n deep_a and_o at_o the_o end_n thereof_o a_o goal_n 2_o foot_n square_a and_o 16_o foot_n long_o that_o a_o sufficient_a drayn_n be_v make_v at_o the_o causey_n between_o helgay_n and_o modney_n that_o the_o drayn_n between_o fordhammore_n and_o portmore_n in_o helgay_n be_v make_v in_o breadth_n 12_o foot_n and_o depth_n 5._o and_o a_o gool_n at_o the_o end_n thereof_o of_o the_o like_a dimension_n as_o aforesaid_a that_o the_o drayn_n betwixt_o thack_n fen_n and_o helgay-more_a be_v 10_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o 4_o in_o depth_n with_o the_o like_a goal_n as_o aforesaid_a that_o turf_n fen_n lake_n in_o helgay_n be_v keep_v 12_o foot_n broad_a and_o 6_o foot_n deep_a with_o a_o goal_n where_o it_o enter_v into_o ouse_n that_o the_o common_a dayn_n call_v creekâ—_n load_n extend_v from_o creek_n mere_a in_o little_a port_n to_o the_o 4_o load_v and_o thence_o to_o pulwear_v lake_n be_v keep_v in_o breadth_n 20_o foot_n and_o depth_n 6_o foot_n and_o so_o likewise_o to_o a_o place_n call_v the_o willow_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n 16_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o 6_o â—oot_v deep_a with_o a_o gool_n at_o the_o end_n thereof_o of_o 4_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o 5_o in_o depth_n that_o rebech_n river_n in_o helgay_n extend_v from_o redmercote_n unto_o the_o great_a river_n of_o ouse_n in_o sotherey_n be_v make_v in_o breadth_n 40_o foot_n until_o it_o come_v within_o three_o furlong_n of_o ouse_n and_o then_o 30_o to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o township_n of_o feltwell_n hockold_n wilton_n brandon-ferry_n santon_n and_o dounham_n and_o all_o other_o have_v any_o ground_n drayn_v through_o and_o by_o the_o say_a river_n that_o the_o common_a drayn_n in_o sotherey_n call_v stake_n load_n be_v in_o breadth_n 12_o foot_n and_o depth_n 4._o till_o it_o come_v to_o cross_a water_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n 14_o foot_n in_o breadth_n that_o sotherey_n causey_n be_v make_v 18_o foot_n wide_a at_o the_o bottom_n 14_o foot_n at_o the_o top_n and_o 3_o foot_n in_o height_n that_o the_o bank_n of_o ouse_n north_n of_o sotherey_n ferry_n to_o modney_n dike_v be_v 8_o foot_n in_o breadth_n at_o the_o bottom_n 5_o foot_n at_o the_o top_n and_o 3_o foot_n in_o height_n that_o the_o land_n drain_v in_o sotherey_n extend_v from_o sotherey_n bar_n to_o the_o hall_n yard_n be_v keep_v in_o breadth_n 8_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n 3._o and_o so_o till_o it_o come_v to_o stake_n load_n that_o pollver_n drain_v in_o wirmgay_n begin_v at_o campion_n hill_n &_o extend_v to_o sechey_n causey_n and_o thence_o to_o king_n bridge_n be_v 10_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o 4_o in_o depth_n that_o the_o drayn_n in_o watlington_n and_o totnell_n extend_v from_o theâ—fes_n bridge_n unto_o hobbs_n dike_v be_v keep_v in_o breadth_n 6_o foot_n and_o depth_n 3_o and_o hobbs_n dike_v 9_o foot_n wide_a and_o 4_o foot_n deep_a that_o east_n wroe_fw-mi do_fw-mi bank_n in_o watlington_n otherwise_o call_v savour_v bank_n which_o defend_v the_o fresh_a water_n of_o polver_n drain_v and_o seche_v river_n from_o overflow_a &c._n &c._n to_o be_v heighten_v in_o every_o low_a place_n that_o polver_n drain_v from_o king_n bridge_n to_o the_o goal_n head_n be_v make_v in_o breadth_n 16_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n 8._o that_o geris_n damâ—_n â—_z in_o
periit_fw-la multitudo_fw-la say_v 1236._o math._n westm._n so_o that_o of_o little_a vessel_n cattle_n and_o people_n very_o many_o be_v destroy_v and_o about_o seventeen_o year_n after_o there_o happen_v such_o another_o woeful_a accident_n whereupon_o the_o king_n direct_v his_o precept_n 12._o to_o the_o shireeve_n of_o this_o county_n require_v he_o to_o distrain_v all_o those_o who_o have_v land_n within_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o old_a bank_n in_o these_o part_n of_o wisebeche_n to_o repair_v the_o say_a bank_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v according_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o their_o holding_n which_o loss_n though_o they_o be_v very_o great_a may_v the_o better_a have_v be_v support_v have_v not_o the_o before-specified_n obstruction_n of_o the_o fresh_a water_n annoy_v they_o in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a measure_n which_o so_o much_o increase_v that_o in_o 13_o e._n 1._o the_o tenant_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n in_o welle_v elm_n wisebeche_n leverington_n neuton_n and_o tide_n complain_v dorso_fw-la thereof_o to_o the_o king_n in_o particular_a show_v that_o their_o land_n in_o those_o town_n by_o the_o great_a flux_n of_o water_n run_v towards_o the_o sea_n ☜_o of_o wellestrem_fw-la and_o through_o the_o defect_n in_o repair_n of_o the_o sewer_n bank_n of_o rughmere_n and_o other_o bank_n ancient_o raise_v and_o to_o be_v make_v anew_o from_o town_n to_o town_n be_v drown_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o that_o divers_a of_o the_o inhabitant_n in_o those_o town_n be_v averse_a aswell_o to_o their_o own_o as_o other_o benefit_n do_v refuse_v to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o fen_n for_o remedy_n thereof_o the_o say_a king_n therefore_o constitute_v dorso_fw-la hugh_n de_fw-fr balsham_n than_o bishop_n of_o ely_n and_o hugh_n peche_n his_o commissioner_n to_o make_v enquiry_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o cause_v the_o say_a bank_n of_o rughmere_n to_o be_v repair_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o those_o person_n who_o land_n be_v preserve_v from_o the_o peril_n of_o inundation_n thereby_o or_o if_o need_n be_v to_o raise_v another_o in_o a_o ☜_o more_o fit_a place_n provide_v that_o by_o such_o repair_n and_o make_n of_o bank_n from_o town_n to_o town_n no_o disherison_n or_o damage_n do_v befall_v geffrey_n de_fw-fr sandiacre_n and_o clementia_n his_o wife_n and_o their_o tenant_n in_o neuton_n and_o tide_n or_o any_o other_o person_n whatsoever_o after_o this_o within_o a_o few_o year_n the_o sea-bank_n in_o these_o part_n be_v again_o break_v dorso_fw-la by_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o tide_n the_o same_o geffrey_n de_fw-fr sandiacre_n and_o james_n the_o beaumey_n be_v appoint_v dorso_fw-la to_o view_v they_o and_o to_o take_v order_n for_o their_o repair_n but_o these_o eruption_n of_o the_o sea_n as_o they_o be_v casual_a viz._n when_o the_o north_n or_o north_n east_n wind_v accompany_v extraordinary_a springtide_n so_o be_v they_o not_o frequent_v nor_o do_v those_o flood_n so_o long_o continue_v upon_o the_o land_n as_o to_o destroy_v it_o by_o drown_v the_o stagnation_n of_o the_o fresh_a water_n produce_v much_o more_o damage_n which_o for_o want_v of_o evacuation_n for_o the_o reason_n above-specified_n be_v a_o continual_a annoyance_n to_o the_o whole_a country_n thereabouts_o insomuch_o as_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o marshland_n discern_v the_o danger_n to_o that_o province_n by_o the_o increase_n of_o those_o water_n do_v in_o 21_o e._n 1._o procure_v a_o commission_n a._n from_o the_o king_n bearing_z date_n the_o xixth_o of_o june_n direct_v to_o peter_n de_fw-fr campania_n thomas_n de_fw-fr hakford_n and_o adam_n de_fw-fr schropham_n to_o inquire_v far_o touch_v the_o same_o and_o to_o apply_v the_o most_o proper_a remedy_n thereto_o who_o thereupon_o sit_v ibid._n at_o utwell_n upon_o monday_n after_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n peter_n ad_fw-la vincula_fw-la next_o ensue_v and_o take_v into_o consideration_n ibid._n what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v for_o restore_v those_o water_n of_o utwell_n for_o so_o that_o great_a river_n of_o ouse_n which_o have_v former_o pass_v that_o way_n be_v then_o call_v to_o their_o due_a and_o ancient_a course_n ☞_o do_v with_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o country_n ordain_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v three_o dam_n make_v one_o at_o utwell_n bridge_n another_o at_o lytlelode_n bridge_n in_o upwell_n and_o the_o three_o at_o fen-dyke-lake_n in_o upwell_n also_o and_o because_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o marshland_n at_o who_o instance_n the_o say_a commission_n be_v procure_v perceive_v that_o this_o ordinance_n for_o the_o make_n of_o these_o three_o stop_n will_v be_v for_o their_o benefit_n they_o without_o any_o authority_n from_o the_o say_a justice_n give_v to_o they_o or_o from_o the_o shireeve_n or_o any_o bailiff_n of_o the_o hundred_o do_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o before-specified_n commission_n make_v a_o stop_n of_o the_o say_a water_n at_o lytle_n load_n aforesaid_a and_o so_o continue_v it_o until_o by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o water_n with_o the_o help_n of_o some_o person_n who_o pass_v that_o way_n with_o their_o boat_n a_o part_n thereof_o be_v open_v and_o find_v it_o so_o open_v procure_v another_o commission_n to_o simon_n de_fw-fr ellesworth_n and_o thomas_n de_fw-fr hagford_n to_o a._n inquire_v thereof_o who_o by_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o commission_n sit_v at_o upwell_n upon_o wednesday_n next_o after_o the_o invention_n of_o the_o holy_a cross_n in_o the_o xxiiith_o year_n of_o the_o say_v king_n reign_n and_o make_v enquiry_n according_o be_v answer_v that_o they_o have_v not_o any_o power_n by_o their_o say_a commission_n so_o to_o do_v by_o reason_n they_o have_v no_o appointment_n for_o the_o stop_v thereof_o whereupon_o the_o say_v thomas_n de_fw-fr hâ—gford_n who_o be_v likewise_o associate_v with_o the_o before-specified_n peter_n de_fw-fr campania_n in_o the_o first_o commission_n be_v ask_v whether_o himself_o and_o his_o fellow_n justice_n at_o that_o time_n do_v then_o consent_n or_o give_v command_n for_o the_o damn_v of_o the_o say_a water_n of_o lytle_n load_n answer_v that_o in_o the_o commission_n so_o direct_v to_o peter_n de_fw-fr campania_n and_o himself_o there_o be_v nothing_o contain_v but_o only_o touch_v the_o water_n descend_v by_o utwell_n without_o any_o mention_n at_o all_o of_o stop_v the_o water_n of_o lytle_n load_n in_o upwell_n and_o consequent_o no_o command_n to_o obstruct_v the_o same_o whereupon_o they_o the_o say_v simon_n and_o thomas_n forbear_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n far_o therein_o but_o afterward_o the_o same_o dayâ—_n the_o say_a commissioner_n by_o virtue_n of_o another_o precept_n for_o the_o view_n of_o pokediche_n in_o marshland_n whereof_o i_o have_v in_o the_o chapter_n of_o this_o my_o discourse_n already_o take_v notice_n do_v receive_v this_o follow_a verdict_n from_o the_o juror_n then_o impanel_v and_o swear_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n that_o the_o water_n at_o upwell_n shall_v be_v stop_v at_o the_o house_n of_o one_o ralph_n smith_n of_o that_o town_n and_o that_o the_o old_a course_n thereof_o shall_v be_v cleanse_v and_o enlarge_v from_o the_o sluse_n at_o elm_n unto_o that_o stop_n at_o upwell_n xl_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o make_v in_o depth_n full_a six_o foot_n more_o than_o it_o be_v at_o that_o present_a and_o that_o there_o be_v the_o like_a necessity_n that_o the_o say_a water_n of_o up_o well_o shall_v have_v its_o course_n by_o the_o lytle_n load_n to_o a_o place_n call_v wadyngstowe_n till_o such_o time_n as_o the_o say_a sewer_n be_v so_o cleanse_v enlarge_v and_o repair_v as_o have_v be_v say_v and_o that_o if_o the_o say_a channel_n call_v lytlelode_n and_o wadingstow_n will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o carry_v those_o water_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v enlarge_v by_o the_o oversight_n of_o the_o shireeve_n of_o norfolk_n as_o need_v require_v and_o it_o be_v then_o also_o ordain_v that_o the_o lyttlelode_n and_o wadyngstowe_n shall_v be_v keep_v open_a until_o the_o before-specified_n sewer_n be_v cleanse_v viz._n till_o the_o gule_a of_o august_n in_o pursuance_n of_o which_o ordinance_n that_o part_n of_o lytle_n load_n then_o remain_v stop_v after_o the_o say_a breach_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o water_n and_o boat_n so_o pass_v that_o way_n as_o have_v be_v say_v be_v open_v after_o this_o viz._n in_o 27_o e._n 1._o the_o say_a king_n direct_v his_o precept_n a._n to_o will._n de_fw-fr carletone_n and_o will._n howard_n to_o inquire_v concern_v the_o breach_n of_o the_o say_v stop_v at_o lytle_n load_n by_o reason_n whereof_o the_o water_n can_v not_o have_v its_o passage_n to_o the_o sea_n according_o as_o it_o have_v ancient_o usedâ—_n they_o sit_v at_o welle_v upon_o wednesday_n after_o the_o octave_n of_o easter_n and_o receive_v this_o follow_a information_n by_o the_o verdict_n of_o the_o
juror_n then_o impanel_v and_o swear_v viz._n that_o robert_n russel_n bailiff_n to_o the_o abbot_n of_o ramseye_n john_n mayner_z walter_z halleman_n and_o other_o have_v forcible_o break_v down_o that_o dam_n at_o small_a load_n or_o lytle_n load_n and_o that_o one_o richard_n curtey_n have_v do_v the_o like_a at_o wadyugstowe_n whereupon_o the_o shireeve_n have_v command_v to_o take_v they_o all_o and_o imprison_v they_o until_o he_o shall_v receive_v far_a direction_n therein_o in_o 8_o e._n 2._o the_o king_n be_v inform_v dorso_fw-la that_o the_o water_n whereby_o divers_a person_n of_o cambridge_n huntendon_n and_o northampton_n shire_n pass_v with_o ship_n and_o victual_n from_o the_o part_n of_o lenne_n to_o welle_v to_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o all_o the_o country_n and_o especial_o of_o the_o town_n of_o holme_n situate_v thereupon_o be_v obstruct_v by_o certain_a man_n dwell_v thereabouts_o he_o therefore_o assign_v dorso_fw-la john_n the_o butetort_n robert_n de_fw-fr maddingle_n and_o walter_n de_fw-fr mollesworth_n to_o inquire_v thereof_o the_o next_o ensue_a year_n geffrey_n de_fw-fr colvile_n robert_n de_fw-fr maddyngle_n laurence_n de_fw-fr burewelle_n and_o john_n le_fw-fr corouner_n be_v appoint_v dorso_fw-la to_o view_v the_o bank_n and_o sewer_n upon_o the_o sea-coast_n lie_v in_o tide_n neuton_n leveryngton_n and_o wysebeche_v as_o also_o in_o some_o town_n of_o marshland_n and_o the_o part_n adjacent_a within_o the_o hundred_o of_o wisebeche_n which_o be_v then_o in_o decay_n and_o to_o take_v order_n for_o their_o repair_n the_o like_a commission_n dorso_fw-la have_v the_o say_a geffrey_n robert_n and_o john_n together_o with_o nich._n de_fw-fr houtone_n in_o 9_o e._n 2._o and_o in_o 17_o e._n 2._o the_o king_n receive_v far_a information_n dorso_fw-la concern_v the_o obstruction_n of_o the_o water_n of_o welstreme_a at_o the_o town_n of_o welle_v beforementioned_a whereby_o merchant_n and_o other_o be_v hinder_v from_o pass_v with_o their_o ship_n boat_n and_o other_o vessel_n from_o the_o town_n of_o lenne_n unto_o yakesle_n holme_n and_o other_o place_n lie_v in_o the_o county_n of_o huntendon_n and_o norfolk_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o they_o have_v former_o use_v to_o do_v and_o as_o the_o commission_n dorso_fw-la in_o 8_o e._n 2._o above-specified_n import_v constitute_v john_n de_fw-fr mutford_n walter_n de_fw-fr friskeney_n and_o will._n de_fw-fr gosefeld_n commissioner_n to_o inquire_v thereof_o what_o they_o do_v herein_o i_o have_v not_o see_v but_o in_o 3_o e._n 3._o which_o be_v not_o long_o after_o there_o be_v a_o presentment_n a._n exhibit_v to_o the_o justice_n itinerant_a sit_v at_o northampton_n by_o the_o juror_n for_o several_a hundred_o in_o that_o county_n import_v that_o whereas_o the_o course_n of_o the_o river_n nene_n have_v ancient_o be_v direct_o from_o peterborough_n 12._o unto_o the_o lenâ—e_n in_o norfolk_n by_o which_o corn_n woo_n and_o other_o commodity_n be_v carry_v to_o that_o haven_n and_o from_o thence_o victual_v and_o other_o necessary_n that_o about_o xxviii_o year_n then_o past_a walter_n de_fw-fr langetone_n bishop_n of_o coventre_n and_o lichfield_n and_o treasurer_n to_o king_n edward_n the_o first_o grandfather_n to_o the_o then_o king_n do_v for_o the_o drayn_n of_o his_o manor_n of_o coldham_n situate_v in_o a_o fenny_a soil_n by_o his_o power_n and_o greatness_n cause_n a_o dam_n to_o be_v make_v at_o utwell_n in_o the_o say_a county_n of_o norfolk_n with_o earth_n and_o sand_n so_o that_o no_o navigable_a vessel_n can_v afterward_o pass_v to_o and_o from_o lenne_n as_o they_o have_v wont_a to_o do_v to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o the_o say_a king_n and_o his_o people_n aswell_o of_o that_o county_n as_o of_o norfolk_z cambridge_n huntendon_n and_o lincoln_n shire_n and_o that_o the_o same_o stop_n of_o those_o water_n from_o descend_v to_o lenne_n do_v cause_v the_o land_n meadow_n pasture_n and_o marsh_n of_o burrough_n fen_n and_o thorney_n fen_n with_o divers_a other_o adjoin_v to_o be_v overflow_v and_o drown_v to_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o man_n of_o that_o county_n cccl._o per_fw-la annum_fw-la and_o upward_o and_o that_o edmund_n peverell_n son_n and_o heir_n to_o robert_n peverell_n brother_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o say_a bishop_n then_o hold_v the_o say_a manor_n do_v maintain_v and_o continue_v the_o before-specified_n dam_n but_o by_o what_o authority_n they_o know_v not_o the_o shireeve_n of_o norfolk_n have_v command_v therefore_o to_o summon_v the_o say_a edmund_n to_o answer_v thereto_o who_o appear_v in_o person_n and_o be_v require_v to_o say_v what_o he_o can_v for_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o the_o say_a dam_n allege_v that_o the_o before-specified_n bishop_n die_v seize_v of_o the_o say_a manor_n robert_n peverell_n enter_v into_o it_o as_o his_o brother_n and_o heir_n and_o that_o after_o the_o say_v robert_n death_n he_o the_o say_v edmund_n enter_v as_o his_o son_n and_o heir_n find_v that_o water_n so_o damn_v as_o have_v be_v observe_v without_o that_o that_o the_o say_a dam_n be_v so_o make_v as_o aforesaid_a by_o the_o same_o bishop_n or_o that_o he_o the_o say_v edmund_n have_v continue_v and_o support_v the_o same_o to_o the_o common_a damage_n etc._n etc._n as_o have_v be_v present_v and_o thereupon_o do_v put_v himself_o upon_o the_o country_n and_o so_o likewise_o do_v richard_n adelburgh_n who_o prosecute_v for_o the_o king_n and_o therefore_o because_o it_o seem_v expedient_a to_o the_o court_n aswell_o for_o the_o king_n as_o for_o his_o people_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o verdict_n from_o the_o country_n on_o that_o behalf_n aswell_o by_o juror_n of_o those_o county_n wherein_o the_o damage_n be_v assign_v as_o by_o juror_n of_o norfolk_n in_o which_o county_n the_o say_a dam_n be_v allege_v to_o be_v make_v command_n be_v give_v to_o the_o shireeve_v of_o cambridge_n duntendon_n lincoln_n and_o northampton_n shire_n likewise_o that_o each_o of_o they_o shall_v bring_v xij_o honest_a and_o lawful_a man_n whereby_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v the_o better_o know_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o king_n three_o week_n after_o michaelmass_n at_o which_o time_n come_v adam_n de_fw-fr fyncham_n the_o king_n attorney_n but_o the_o say_v edmund_n though_o solemn_o call_v appear_v not_o whereupon_o a_o verdict_n be_v take_v against_o he_o by_o default_n nor_o do_v the_o shireeve_v of_o any_o of_o the_o beforementioned_a county_n make_v return_v of_o their_o say_a precept_n therefore_o new_a writ_n be_v issue_v out_o unto_o they_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n as_o abovesaid_a returnable_a upon_o the_o xuth_o of_o s._n hilary_n than_o next_o follow_v at_o which_o time_n come_v the_o say_v adam_n and_o the_o shireeve_v of_o norfolk_n and_o northampton_n who_o allege_v that_o the_o writ_n be_v so_o long_o in_o come_v to_o their_o hand_n that_o they_o can_v be_v nothing_o therein_o howbeit_o the_o shireeve_n of_o cambridge_n and_o huntendonshire_n return_v the_o name_n of_o juror_n but_o the_o shireeve_n of_o lincolnshire_n send_v no_o answer_n whereupon_o the_o king_n issue_v out_o a_o precept_n to_o geffrey_n le_fw-fr scrope_n and_o his_o fellow_n justice_n of_o the_o plea_n before_o himself_o to_o be_v hold_v whereby_o he_o signify_v to_o they_o that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o marshland_n in_o norfolk_n have_v complain_v and_o the_o man_n of_o suffolk_n and_o cambridgshire_n who_o have_v land_n near_o unto_o those_o part_n have_v exhibit_v a_o petition_n to_o he_o the_o say_a king_n and_o his_o council_n show_v that_o whereas_o some_o part_n of_o marshland_n together_o with_o a_o great_a proportion_n of_o those_o county_n be_v lose_v and_o destroy_v by_o the_o inundation_n of_o the_o salt_n water_n as_o also_o of_o the_o fresh_a by_o reason_n that_o the_o say_v water_n and_o sewer_n have_v not_o their_o right_a course_n and_o that_o king_n edward_n the_o first_o pass_v that_o way_n and_o take_v notice_n thereof_o do_v by_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o council_n assign_v william_n howard_n and_o some_o other_o to_o make_v enquiry_n touch_v the_o premise_n who_o by_o inquisition_n take_v before_o they_o ☜_o find_v that_o those_o part_n can_v not_o be_v any_o other_o way_n preserve_v than_o by_o stop_v of_o a_o certain_a water_n call_v welle_v dam_n and_o whereas_o for_o that_o respect_n they_o do_v ordain_v the_o before-specified_n obstruction_n thereof_o to_o be_v make_v and_o that_o afterward_o it_o be_v present_v before_o he_o the_o say_v geffrey_n &_o his_o fellow_n justice_n itinerant_a in_o the_o county_n of_o northampton_n by_o the_o procurement_n of_o some_o person_n for_o their_o own_o particular_a advantage_n that_o the_o same_o obstruction_n be_v make_v to_o their_o damage_n whereupon_o they_o cause_v edmund_n peverell_n to_o be_v implead_v for_o it_o and_o proceed_v so_o far_o therein_o as_o that_o the_o say_v edmund_n submit_v to_o a_o inquisition_n thereof_o which_o inquisition_n be_v to_o be_v take_v before_o
sandy_a land_n under_o the_o two_o sewer_n in_o elm_n so_o that_o the_o water_n of_o those_o field_n may_v run_v at_o rotispipe_n upon_o penalty_n of_o stop_v all_o the_o say_a sewer_n and_o they_o likewise_o ordain_v that_o the_o sewer_n on_o the_o southside_n of_o the_o river_n of_o wisebeche_n beginning_n from_o the_o goule_a hirne_n may_v have_v its_o ancient_a course_n from_o that_o pipe_n unto_o the_o pipe_n lie_v in_o hillary_n diche_fw-it under_o the_o sewer_n of_o elm_n and_o that_o the_o say_v pipe_n be_v maintain_v by_o the_o landholders_n in_o the_o new_a close_a of_o elm_n and_o that_o the_o say_a sewer_n have_v its_o ancient_a course_n from_o that_o pipe_n unto_o newbridgg_n drive_v and_o there_o either_o a_o bridge_n or_o a_o sufficient_a pipe_n to_o be_v make_v opposite_a to_o the_o land_n of_o robert_n cake_n and_o that_o the_o say_a sewer_n may_v have_v its_o course_n from_o that_o bridge_n or_o pipe_n unto_o the_o pipe_n in_o meesdrove_n lie_v under_o the_o sewer_n of_o elm_n and_o that_o the_o same_o pipe_n be_v make_v and_o repair_v in_o regard_n it_o be_v then_o break_v by_o the_o man_n of_o elm_n if_o the_o say_a sewer_n will_v run_v any_o more_o and_o that_o the_o say_a sewer_n have_v its_o ancient_a current_n from_o that_o pipe_n unto_o jeconnesgate_n on_o the_o southside_n of_o the_o nether_a gate_n and_o that_o a_o bridge_n be_v make_v near_o unto_o the_o message_n of_o the_o heir_n of_o john_n pateshull_n over_o that_o sewer_n and_o that_o the_o say_a sewer_n be_v cleanse_v and_o dig_v whensoeâ—er_n and_o wheresoever_o need_n require_v and_o that_o the_o drove_n be_v raise_v high_a with_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v dig_v out_o of_o the_o say_a sewer_n and_o last_o they_o ordain_v that_o every_o acre_n lie_v on_o the_o south_n of_o wisebeche_n and_o every_o acre_n on_o the_o northside_n of_o elm_n shall_v pay_v a_o penny_n and_o more_o if_o need_v require_v for_o the_o repair_n from_o jecons_n gate_n of_o that_o sewer_n and_o to_o amend_v the_o pipe_n and_o bridge_n of_o the_o same_o sewer_n and_o where_o need_v require_v to_o make_v they_o new_a and_o moreover_o that_o jeconnesgate_n be_v amend_v and_o new_o make_v when_o need_n shall_v be_v as_o also_o that_o every_o field_n shall_v make_v the_o bridge_n and_o pipe_n belong_v thereto_o and_o cleanse_v and_o scour_v their_o own_o sewer_n in_o 41_o e._n 3._o sir_n john_n de_fw-fr colvill_n sir_n ralph_n de_fw-fr rocheford_n hugh_n lovet_n and_o other_o be_v constitute_v dorso_fw-la commissioner_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n ditch_n and_o sewer_n lie_v upon_o the_o sea-coast_n and_o otherwise_o betwixt_o tide_n brigg_n and_o the_o town_n of_o chatery_n the_o like_a commission_n dorso_fw-la in_o 42_o e._n 3._o have_v sir_n robert_n deal_v isle_n sir_n hugh_n lovet_n and_o sir_n john_n vernoun_n knight_n with_o other_o for_o all_o those_o in_o wisebeche_n elm_n welle_v march_n and_o marford_n in_o this_o county_n in_o 47_o e._n 3._o john_n cavendish_n and_o other_o his_o associate_n justice_n of_o sewer_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o say_v king_n commission_n dorso_fw-la sit_v at_o elm_n before_o who_o it_o be_v present_v a._n by_o the_o juror_n that_o a_o certain_a bank_n ancient_o make_v for_o safeguard_n of_o all_o those_o land_n betwixt_o the_o river_n of_o wisebeche_n and_o the_o river_n of_o welle_v beginning_n at_o the_o footpath_n opposite_a to_o the_o gate_n of_o wisebeche_n castle_n and_o so_o extend_v itself_o to_o goneldich_n thence_o to_o bensted_n hirne_n thence_o to_o tilney_n hirne_n thence_o to_o mareys_fw-la gate_n and_o thence_o to_o charity_n cross_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o uernoun_n corner_n and_o so_o to_o the_o river_n of_o welle_v be_v then_o almost_o break_v and_o in_o decay_n by_o reason_n whereof_o divers_a land_n and_o tenement_n within_o the_o precinct_n thereof_o be_v overflow_v by_o the_o fresh_a water_n to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o all_o the_o landholders_n there_o and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o say_a bank_n do_v then_o contain_v no_o more_o than_o four_o foot_n in_o height_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o better_a safeguard_n of_o the_o town_n of_o wisebeche_n elm_n and_o welle_v they_o ordain_v that_o the_o say_a bank_n shall_v be_v raiseâ—_n three_o foot_n high_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a height_n thereof_o from_o the_o level_n ground_n may_v be_v seven_o foot_n and_o the_o thickness_n thereof_o at_o the_o bottom_n xxxij_o foot_n and_o at_o the_o top_n xij_o foot_n so_o that_o the_o water_n of_o the_o fen_n may_v not_o any_o way_n enter_v through_o the_o same_o bank_n and_o that_o every_o one_o have_v land_n tenement_n common_a of_o fish_v or_o pasture_n who_o may_v have_v safeguard_n defence_n or_o benefit_n by_o the_o make_n or_o repair_v of_o the_o say_a bank_n or_o loss_n for_o the_o not_o do_v thereof_o be_v oblige_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o their_o hold_n to_o make_v the_o same_o consonant_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n so_o that_o the_o land_n on_o the_o south_n side_n the_o river_n of_o elm_n shall_v be_v agi_v upon_o the_o bank_n call_v the_o byshopesoyke_n and_o that_o all_o other_o land_n and_o tenement_n betwixt_o the_o river_n of_o wisebeche_n and_o the_o river_n of_o elm_n be_v agi_v upon_o the_o sea-bank_n and_o the_o fen-bank_n of_o wisebeche_n and_o elm_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o the_o river_n of_o elm_n and_o they_o ordain_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a to_o any_o man_n make_v his_o part_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n to_o the_o fen_n to_o dig_v and_o carry_v away_o earth_n for_o the_o repair_n thereof_o for_o the_o space_n of_o ten_o perch_n without_o the_o say_a bank_n without_o the_o contradiction_n of_o any_o man_n as_o ancient_o they_o have_v use_v to_o do_v provide_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o dig_v within_o the_o length_n of_o two_o perch_n thereof_o upon_o penalty_n of_o xxs._n and_o they_o far_o ordain_v that_o neither_o the_o lord_n nor_o any_o commoner_n shall_v depasture_n any_o of_o his_o cattle_n upon_o the_o same_o bank_n except_o sheep_n nor_o make_v any_o drist_n with_o cattle_n over_o it_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o future_a damage_n thereto_o upon_o penalty_n of_o a_o penny_n for_o every_o beast_n so_o drive_v or_o depasture_v thereon_o by_o the_o knowledge_n or_o default_n of_o the_o owner_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o commoner_n to_o who_o the_o repair_n thereof_o belong_v so_o often_o as_o he_o shall_v offend_v therein_o and_o that_o such_o cattle_n as_o shall_v be_v find_v there_o depasture_v or_o drive_v in_o manner_n aforesaid_a upon_o the_o same_o bank_n sheep_n only_o except_v to_o be_v impound_v by_o the_o bailiff_n of_o waltersey_n or_o dike_n reeves_n of_o elm_n wisebechâ—_n or_o welle_v at_o waltersey_n or_o in_o the_o common_a pound_n of_o elm_n wisebeche_n or_o welle_v now_o make_v or_o to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o commoner_n and_o therein_o to_o be_v detain_v until_o they_o shall_v satisfy_v and_o pay_v the_o penalty_n aforesaid_a to_o be_v employ_v in_o repair_n of_o that_o man_n bank_n which_o have_v receive_v damage_n by_o those_o cattle_n and_o they_o ordain_v that_o eight_o bar_n shall_v be_v make_v and_o set_v upon_o the_o say_a bank_n to_o hinder_v the_o pass_n of_o cattle_n upon_o it_o asweel_v of_o stranger_n as_o commoner_n the_o first_o at_o waltersey_n by_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n the_o second_o at_o the_o corner_n of_o bensted_n hirne_n the_o three_o at_o hunterstones_n by_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o tenant_n of_o hunterstones_n the_o four_o at_o the_o end_n of_o waldersey_n drive_v by_o the_o prior_n of_o ely_n the_o five_o near_o the_o gate_n of_o tilney_n house_n by_o the_o say_a prior_n of_o ely_n the_o six_o at_o coldham_n hithe_a by_o the_o lord_n of_o coldham_n the_o seven_o at_o charite_n cross_n by_o the_o field_n of_o elm_n and_o the_o eight_o at_o the_o end_n of_o grenediche_n next_o to_o welle_v and_o that_o the_o say_v bar_n shall_v be_v repair_v and_o maintain_v when_o need_n require_v upon_o pain_n of_o xxs._n to_o be_v pay_v by_o he_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o commoner_n who_o ought_v to_o repair_v they_o as_o often_o as_o any_o damage_n shall_v happen_v to_o the_o commoner_n thereby_o provide_v nevertheless_o that_o every_o one_o at_o the_o make_n of_o his_o bank_n may_v have_v free_a ingress_n and_o egress_n thereto_o and_o to_o amend_v the_o same_o as_o need_n require_v and_o that_o the_o penalty_n aforesaid_a shall_v be_v employ_v to_o the_o repair_n thereof_o as_o aforesaid_a and_o that_o every_o dike_n reeve_n of_o elm_n and_o wisebeche_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o river_n of_o wisebeche_n and_o likewise_o every_o dike_n reeve_n of_o welle_v on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o the_o river_n of_o welle_v may_v have_v power_n by_o
that_o ordinance_n to_o take_v distress_n for_o the_o charge_n in_o make_v and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n aforesaid_a as_o often_o as_o need_n shall_v require_v aswell_o on_o the_o part_n of_o wisebeche_n and_o welle_v as_o on_o the_o part_n of_o elm_n by_o turn_n and_o several_o without_o the_o contradiction_n of_o any_o one_o and_o they_o ordain_v that_o draymere_n diche_fw-it shall_v be_v repair_v and_o raise_v high_a where_n need_v require_v so_o that_o the_o commoner_n may_v have_v chase_n and_o rechase_v with_o their_o cattle_n unto_o their_o commons_o and_o that_o every_o man_n have_v land_n or_o tenement_n adjoin_v or_o abut_a upon_o the_o say_a bank_n call_v draymeresdiche_n shall_v dig_v and_o cleanse_v the_o frontier_n of_o his_o land_n eight_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o cast_v the_o earth_n so_o dig_v out_o upon_o the_o same_o bank_n and_o they_o likewise_o ordain_v that_o the_o bank_n call_v the_o blackdiche_n shall_v be_v amend_v and_o repair_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o all_o the_o landholders_n ancient_o agi_v thereto_o and_o that_o the_o sewer_n of_o uualtersey_n coldham_n and_o redmorefield_n with_o their_o appurtenancâ—s_n shall_v be_v cleanse_v and_o the_o crest_n of_o they_o raise_v high_o and_o maintain_v where_o need_v require_v unto_o the_o pipe_n lie_v under_o the_o river_n of_o uuisebeche_n and_o that_o all_o the_o hades_n of_o the_o land_n abut_a on_o those_o sewer_n and_o upon_o all_o other_o sewer_n within_o that_o precinct_n shall_v be_v stop_v xij_o foot_n in_o breadth_n so_o that_o the_o water_n of_o lech_n run_v through_o those_o sewer_n shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o field_n to_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o land_n lie_v therein_o and_o they_o moreover_o ordain_v that_o one_o clow_n shall_v be_v make_v at_o hillaryes_n drove_n between_o uuisebeche_n and_o elm_n at_o the_o cost_n of_o the_o landholders_n ancient_o agi_v thereto_o who_o have_v wont_a to_o make_v and_o repair_v the_o same_o and_o that_o one_o other_o clown_n shall_v be_v make_v upon_o the_o river_n of_o uuisebeche_n near_o to_o the_o message_n of_o thomas_n howes_n barkere_o so_o that_o the_o water_n come_v out_o of_o the_o field_n of_o elm_n by_o the_o passage_n call_v uykorisgote_v may_v drain_n there_o in_o default_n of_o a_o goat_n call_v dogarde_a and_o that_o a_o bank_n be_v make_v from_o that_o clown_n unto_o the_o house_n of_o william_n maste_n bocher_n on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o that_o sewer_n and_o another_o bank_n from_o the_o say_v clow_n unto_o the_o house_n of_o thomas_n howe_n barkere_o on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o say_a sewer_n for_o hinder_v the_o sand_n bring_v up_o by_o the_o tide_n from_o choke_v up_o of_o the_o say_a sewer_n and_o they_o likewise_o ordain_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o causey_n make_v near_o unto_o maryesâ—arre_n whereof_o the_o one_o end_n to_o begin_v at_o maryesbarre_n and_o so_o overthwart_o beyond_o the_o river_n of_o elm_n unto_o loveday_n diche_a which_o causey_n to_o be_v eight_o foot_n in_o height_n xij_o foot_n in_o breadth_n at_o the_o top_n and_o thirty_o two_o foot_n at_o the_o bottom_n and_o a_o clown_n make_v there_o at_o the_o charge_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o have_v benefit_n thereby_o for_o the_o bring_n in_o fresh_a water_n into_o the_o river_n of_o elm_n when_o need_n shall_v be_v and_o they_o likewise_o ordain_v that_o every_o person_n have_v land_n or_o tenement_n common_a fish_v or_o pasture_n in_o the_o town_n of_o elm_n uuisebeche_n and_o welle_v within_o the_o precinct_n aforesaid_a shall_v have_v his_o portion_n upon_o the_o fen-bank_n beforementioned_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o his_o hold_n according_a to_o a_o agistment_n thereof_o to_o be_v make_v anew_o and_o likewise_o each_o man_n have_v land_n or_o tenement_n within_o the_o precinct_n aforesaid_a to_o have_v his_o portion_n upon_o the_o sea-bank_n begin_v at_o the_o house_n of_o thomas_n mounpesson_n and_o extend_v itself_o to_o the_o floodgate_n of_o elm_n and_o so_o to_o uuelle_fw-fr each_o man_n for_o the_o quantity_n of_o his_o tenure_n according_a to_o a_o new_a agistment_n to_o be_v thereof_o make_v and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o the_o bank_n before_o ordain_v be_v then_o break_v for_o want_n of_o repair_n and_o that_o divers_a land_n and_o tenement_n within_o the_o say_a precinct_n be_v drown_v by_o the_o fresh_a water_n to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o all_o the_o landholders_n there_o and_o they_o also_o say_v that_o the_o same_o bank_n ought_v to_o be_v repair_v aswell_o in_o height_n as_o in_o thickness_n so_o that_o it_o may_v contain_v in_o thickness_n xxxii_o foot_n at_o the_o bottom_n and_o at_o the_o top_n twelve_o at_o the_o least_o and_o in_o height_n from_o the_o level_n ground_n seven_o foot_n and_o that_o the_o man_n of_o uuisebeche_n elm_n and_o uuelle_n be_v oblige_v to_o the_o repair_n and_o make_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n each_o man_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o his_o hold_n and_o that_o the_o say_a bank_n can_v not_o be_v preserve_v nor_o keep_v except_o those_o man_n who_o have_v land_n and_o tenement_n within_o the_o say_a precinct_n be_v new_o agi_v upon_o the_o bank_n before_o ordain_v and_o they_o also_o present_v and_o ordain_v that_o one_o bank_n shall_v be_v make_v new_a and_o begin_v at_o uernoune_n corner_n upon_o bishopsedike_n and_o so_o to_o extend_v direct_o to_o the_o bank_n of_o uuelle_n upon_o the_o soil_n late_o belong_v to_o hamon_n de_fw-fr vernoun_n in_o part_n and_o in_o part_n upon_o the_o common_a soil_n and_o to_o be_v of_o the_o height_n and_o thickness_n abovesaid_a as_o also_o to_o be_v do_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o all_o the_o landholders_n for_o their_o land_n lie_v betwixt_o the_o river_n of_o elm_n and_o the_o river_n of_o welle_v and_o be_v ask_v of_o the_o number_n of_o acre_n aswell_o on_o the_o south_n part_n of_o the_o river_n of_o uuisebeche_n unto_o the_o river_n of_o elm_n as_o on_o the_o south_n part_n of_o the_o same_o river_n of_o elm_n unto_o the_o river_n of_o welle_v they_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o river_n of_o wisebeche_n unto_o the_o river_n of_o elm_n five_o thousand_o and_o two_o hundred_o acre_n and_o on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o river_n of_o elm_n to_o the_o river_n of_o welle_v two_o thousand_o and_o ninety_o acre_n whereupon_o command_n be_v give_v to_o the_o steward_n of_o the_o say_a liberty_n that_o he_o shall_v summon_v all_o the_o land-holders_n aswell_o of_o elm_n and_o welle_v and_o of_o the_o town_n of_o wisebeche_n on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o that_o river_n as_o all_o other_o who_o have_v land_n or_o tenement_n or_o any_o pasturage_n or_o fish_v in_o fee_n or_o for_o term_n of_o year_n to_o appear_v before_o the_o say_a justice_n at_z ely_z upon_o thursday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o epiphany_n then_o and_o there_o to_o show_v what_o they_o have_v to_o say_v for_o themselves_o why_o all_o the_o before-specified_n ordinance_n in_o each_o point_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v inviolable_o keep_v for_o the_o future_a at_o which_o day_n come_v john_n payne_n who_o then_o prosecute_v for_o the_o king_n and_o the_o steward_n of_o ely_n and_o require_v that_o thomas_n bishop_n of_o ely_n who_o have_v within_o the_o say_a precinct_n viz._n in_o the_o town_n of_o wisebeche_n elm_n and_o welle_v divers_a land_n and_o tenement_n and_o that_o john_n simson_n of_o wisebeche_n thomas_n mounpesson_n and_o other_o who_o have_v also_o land_n and_o tenement_n within_o the_o say_a precinct_n in_o the_o town_n aforesaid_a shall_v be_v attach_v to_o be_v at_o ely_n before_o the_o say_a justice_n at_o that_o time_n to_o show_v as_o aforesaid_a and_o thereupon_o the_o say_a bishop_n of_o ely_n will._n street_n lord_n of_o the_o manor_n of_o coldham_n sir_n john_n colvill_n knight_n the_o prior_n of_o ely_n the_o abbot_n of_o crouland_n the_o abbot_n of_o wendling_n john_n vernoun_n will._n newhouse_n nich._n makesake_n sir_n nich._n golofre_n knight_n and_o john_n the_o crofte_a of_o welle_v who_o have_v land_n and_o tenement_n within_o the_o say_a precinct_n within_o those_o town_n be_v summon_v to_o appear_v at_o that_o say_a day_n to_o show_v cause_n as_o abovesaid_a all_o which_o person_n come_v according_o and_o it_o be_v demand_v of_o they_o and_o every_o of_o they_o wherefore_o the_o before-specified_n ordinance_n aswell_o relate_v to_o the_o town_n of_o wisebeche_n as_o those_o of_o elm_n and_o welle_v ought_v not_o in_o every_o point_n to_o be_v observe_v according_a to_o the_o tenor_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o they_o several_o answer_v that_o as_o to_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o bank_n which_o begin_v over_o against_o the_o gate_n of_o wisebeche_n castle_n and_o go_v to_o goneldiche_n thence_o to_o bansted_n hirne_n thence_o to_o tylneyhirne_v thence_o to_o coldham_n hithe_a
before_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n james_n the_o apostle_n the_o juror_n present_v that_o the_o tenant_n of_o the_o xl_o acre_n of_o land_n in_o bachecroft_n in_o wisebeche_n time_n out_o of_o mind_n aught_o and_o have_v use_v to_o maintain_v a_o certain_a bank_n in_o wisebeche_n call_v uuisebeche_n fen_n dike_a viz._n for_o every_o acre_n 5_o foot_n and_o have_v not_o do_v so_o and_o that_o the_o prior_n of_o spinney_n and_o his_o predecessor_n have_v for_o the_o like_a time_n for_o xl_o acre_n of_o land_n which_o they_o have_v in_o uuisebeche_n repair_v a_o part_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n according_a to_o the_o same_o proportion_n so_o likewise_o that_o nich._n howard_n have_v do_v for_o twelve_o acre_n of_o land_n which_o he_o have_v there_o likewise_o that_o the_o abbot_n of_o thorney_n and_o his_o predecessor_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o land_n in_o thorney_n have_v for_o the_o like_a time_n cleanse_v and_o aught_o to_o cleanse_v and_o scour_v a_o certain_a sewer_n from_o muscote_n in_o thorney_n unto_o thorney_n bar_n in_o the_o same_o town_n and_o thence_o to_o knarre_o and_o thence_o to_o wried_a both_o in_o the_o same_o town_n and_o thence_o to_o set_v lake_n in_o uuisebeche_n and_o thence_o to_o mariskote_v in_o thorney_n and_o thence_o to_o south_n i_fw-mi dike_v in_o wisebeche_n which_o be_v the_o division_n betwixt_o cambridgshire_n and_o lincolnshire_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o cleanse_v also_o that_o the_o whole_a hundred_o of_o wisebeche_n have_v use_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n and_o aught_o to_o cleanse_v the_o before-specified_n sewer_n from_o south_n i_fw-mi dike_fw-mi in_o the_o say_a place_n unto_o trokenholt_n in_o leverington_n and_o that_o the_o abbot_n of_o thorney_n for_o his_o land_n in_o trokenholt_n croft_n in_o leverington_n have_v use_v in_o like_a sort_n and_o aught_o to_o scour_v the_o sewer_n of_o trokenholt_n aforesaid_a unto_o clow_n cross_a in_o leverington_n near_o to_o the_o bank_n of_o sutton_n on_o the_o north_n part_n and_o than_o that_o the_o whole_a hundred_o of_o wisebeche_n ought_v to_o cleanse_v the_o same_o from_o clow_n cross_a to_o guyhyrne_n but_o have_v not_o do_v it_o moreover_o that_o the_o tenant_n of_o the_o land_n call_v pavys_n in_o march_n have_v use_v and_o ought_v to_o cleanse_v a_o certain_a sewer_n from_o wardyscote_n in_o dodington_n unto_o wisemouth_n in_o wisebeche_n so_o that_o the_o water_n may_v have_v its_o passage_n to_o the_o great_a river_n of_o wisebeche_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o cleanse_v also_o that_o will._n vernoun_n for_o his_o manor_n of_o coldham_n and_o his_o partner_n for_o the_o whole_a time_n aforesaid_a ought_v &_o have_v use_v to_o repair_v a_o certain_a bridge_n in_o elm_n in_o the_o drive_v call_v crome_n dike_a and_o another_o bridge_n in_o elm_n which_o then_o be_v break_v and_o that_o the_o say_v will._n for_o his_o manor_n of_o coldham_n together_o with_o his_o partner_n aught_o and_o have_v wont_a for_o the_o whole_a time_n aforesaid_a to_o maintain_v a_o bridge_n in_o wisebeche_n below_o the_o parsonage_n which_o be_v then_o break_v as_o also_o one_o clown_n at_o bolsterbrigge_n in_o elm_n with_o two_o key_n whereof_o the_o one_o to_o be_v in_o the_o custody_n of_o the_o guardian_n of_o the_o fen_n on_o the_o south_n part_n of_o the_o river_n of_o wisebeche_n and_o the_o other_o in_o the_o custody_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o coldham_n but_o that_o then_o there_o be_v no_o clown_n at_o all_o there_o and_o likewise_o that_o he_o the_o say_v william_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o say_a manor_n of_o coldham_n and_o his_o partner_n for_o the_o whole_a time_n aforesaid_a ought_v and_o have_v use_v to_o make_v a_o crest_n in_o meesdrove_n in_o wysebeche_n high_a than_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n by_o three_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n eight_o foot_n for_o the_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o aid_n of_o a_o certain_a field_n call_v bolnehyrst_n field_n as_o also_o a_o bridge_n in_o elm_n in_o a_o ceriain_n drive_v call_v cromedike_n and_o they_o likewise_o present_v that_o the_o say_a town_n of_o elm_n have_v not_o cleanse_v a_o certain_a sewer_n call_v the_o river_n which_o lead_v from_o elm_n to_o wisebeche_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v ten_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o of_o a_o fit_a depth_n so_o that_o the_o fresh_a water_n may_v run_v in_o the_o channel_n unto_o wisebeche_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o sea_n also_o that_o marysdam_n in_o elm_n aught_o to_o be_v cut_v so_o as_o the_o fresh_a water_n may_v pass_v away_o by_o the_o old_a river_n of_o elm_n to_o the_o sea_n according_a to_o ancient_a custom_n also_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n and_o will._n venour_n for_o his_o say_a manor_n of_o coldham_n and_o his_o partner_n do_v use_v and_o aught_o for_o the_o whole_a time_n aforesaid_a to_o repair_v one_o bridge_n lie_v at_o the_o falgote_n in_o leverington_n but_o have_v not_o then_o repair_v it_o and_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v one_o dam_n at_o bolstrebrigg_n in_o elm_n make_v by_o the_o say_v william_n for_o his_o say_a manor_n of_o coldham_n as_o long_o as_o a_o clown_n shall_v be_v make_v there_o likewise_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n the_o abbot_n of_o croyland_n william_n venour_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o manor_n of_o coldham_n william_n branch_n and_o all_o other_o person_n have_v several_a fish_v use_v and_o ought_v to_o cleanse_v the_o river_n of_o elm_n call_v elm_n i_fw-mi from_o the_o floodgate_n unto_o marysdam_n in_o elm_n and_o thence_o to_o hedmere_n in_o ......._o and_o thence_o to_o lethermere_n in_o ........_o and_o thence_o to_o creke_v hirne_n in_o ...._o and_o thence_o to_o march_v eee_o because_o they_o claim_v fish_v in_o all_o those_o place_n and_o that_o john_n man_v of_o wisebeche_n do_v cut_v one_o crest_n of_o coldham_n bank_n to_o the_o general_a nuisance_n and_o that_o the_o landholders_n of_o nymenesdole_n in_o wisebeche_n have_v use_v and_o ought_v to_o repair_v one_o crest_n in_o wisebeche_n beginning_n at_o the_o tenement_n of_o alice_n cave_n and_o lead_v to_o the_o house_n of_o john_n algood_n in_o the_o same_o town_n and_o that_o three_o pipe_n new_o make_v in_o a_o certain_a field_n call_v smalmedow_n in_o wisebeche_n the_o first_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o participant_n the_o second_o by_o the_o lord_n of_o coldham_n and_o his_o and_o the_o three_o by_o the_o tenant_n on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o wisebeche_n be_v make_v too_o large_a by_o xij_o foot_n shall_v be_v amend_v and_o that_o the_o tenant_n of_o heighmathes_n in_o wisebeche_n aught_o and_o have_v use_v to_o repair_v one_o crest_n in_o nettâ—ldykelane_n in_o wisebeche_n four_o foot_n in_o height_n and_o as_o much_o in_o breadth_n moreover_o that_o will._n prior_n of_o ely_n sir_n thomas_n tudenham_n knight_n and_o his_o tenant_n aught_o and_o have_v use_v to_o repair_v one_o crest_n begin_v at_o the_o fen_n dike_v in_o wisebeche_n and_o lead_v to_o bellymyll_n brigge_n in_o the_o same_o town_n thence_o to_o corner_n message_n on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o sewer_n in_o height_n three_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n four_o and_o that_o all_o the_o landholder_n in_o the_o field_n call_v sayrefield_n nymandole_v flakemore_n field_n and_o heymathes_n aught_o to_o repair_v the_o say_a crest_n every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o proportion_n and_o that_o the_o parson_n of_o the_o church_n of_o wisebeche_n ought_v and_o have_v use_v to_o repair_v a_o sewer_n in_o wisebeche_n beginning_n at_o the_o house_n of_o reginald_n rogers_n in_o wisebeche_n and_o lead_v into_o the_o same_o town_n and_o that_o the_o town_n of_o wisebeche_n ought_v and_o have_v use_v to_o make_v a_o clown_n in_o the_o sewer_n of_o wisebeche_n at_o a_o certain_a bridge_n in_o neuton_n near_o fytton_n goal_n for_o stop_v of_o the_o water_n when_o need_v require_v and_o they_o likewise_o present_v that_o john_n everard_n esquire_n have_v straighten_v the_o common_a river_n of_o wiâ—ebeche_n with_o net_n and_o other_o engine_n therein_o place_v to_o the_o general_a nuisance_n etc._n etc._n as_o also_o that_o will._n caus_n esquire_n and_o john_n greene_n have_v do_v the_o like_a and_o that_o the_o abbot_n of_o dereham_n have_v one_o kedel_n in_o the_o common_a sewer_n of_o wisebeche_n call_v plant_n be_v to_o the_o common_a nuisance_n etc._n etc._n as_o also_o another_o kedel_n in_o the_o same_o sewer_n likewise_o that_o the_o town_n of_o wisâ—beche_n ought_v and_o have_v use_v to_o repair_v a_o bridge_n in_o neuton_n call_v mutcroft_n bridge_n which_o be_v then_o ruinous_a and_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n and_o his_o participant_n ought_v and_o have_v use_v to_o repair_v a_o certain_a bank_n call_v blakdike_a in_o ........._o unto_o the_o pipe_n call_v watersey_n pipe_n which_o be_v then_o in_o decay_n and_o that_o the_o same_o bishop_n ought_v to_o make_v one_o crest_n in_o hillary_n drive_v begin_v
charge_n of_o each_o man_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o his_o land_n and_o they_o moreover_o decree_v that_o all_o the_o sewer_n belong_v to_o every_o hamlet_n of_o wisebeche_n from_o the_o fen-bank_n to_o the_o sea-bank_n shall_v be_v well_o scour_v and_o cleanse_v at_o certain_a time_n in_o the_o year_n by_o those_o who_o ancient_o use_v to_o scour_v they_o so_o that_o the_o water_n may_v have_v its_o course_n to_o the_o sea_n without_o any_o impediment_n and_o that_o all_o the_o bridge_n clow_n pipe_n and_o gutter_n within_o every_o of_o those_o town_n be_v repair_v and_o cleanse_v well_o and_o sufficient_o in_o all_o place_n needful_a by_o those_o unto_o who_o they_o belong_v as_o aforesaid_a so_o that_o no_o loss_n may_v accrue_v to_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o for_o default_n of_o such_o repair_n and_o that_o all_o bank_n call_v wardyches_n betwixt_o every_o town_n of_o the_o say_v hundred_o shall_v be_v raise_v high_a repair_v and_o maintain_v well_o and_o sufficient_o by_o those_o unto_o who_o they_o appertain_v as_o aforesaid_a viz._n in_o breadth_n xuj_o foot_n and_o of_o a_o fit_a height_n to_o stop_v the_o water_n of_o each_o town_n from_o other_o so_o that_o no_o damage_n may_v accrue_v to_o any_o of_o they_o for_o want_v thereof_o upon_o penalty_n oâ—_n xls._n to_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n for_o the_o time_n be_v and_o likewise_o that_o all_o the_o crest_n aswell_o betwixt_o every_o field_n as_o border_v on_o all_o the_o sewer_n of_o each_o town_n within_o the_o say_v hundred_o shall_v be_v raise_v high_a repair_v and_o maintain_v well_o and_o sufficient_o in_o height_n breadth_n and_o thickness_n by_o those_o also_o to_o who_o they_o belong_v upon_o the_o like_a penalty_n of_o xls._o to_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n for_o the_o time_n be_v and_o that_o no_o man_n thenceforth_o shall_v presume_v to_o cut_v or_o cause_n to_o be_v cut_v any_o wardiche_n or_o crest_n within_o any_o of_o the_o town_n of_o the_o say_v hundred_o under_o the_o like_a penalty_n of_o xls._n to_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o say_a bishop_n of_o ely_n as_o often_o as_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o offence_n of_o that_o kind_n commit_v and_o that_o the_o river_n of_o wisebeche_n shall_v be_v scour_v and_o enlarge_v in_o all_o place_n defective_a from_o gye_a hirne_n to_o the_o sea_n as_o often_o as_o need_v require_v by_o all_o the_o landholders_n within_o the_o say_v hundred_o of_o wisebeche_n each_o man_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o his_o hold_n and_o the_o say_a juror_n also_o present_v that_o the_o bank_n call_v grenedyke_n of_o welle_v which_o begin_v at_o the_o stone_n cross_n in_o welle_v and_o extend_v to_o sewalesclote_v in_o welle_v shall_v be_v raise_v and_o repair_v high_a than_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n by_o two_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n xij_o by_o the_o landholders_n in_o budbeche_n each_o man_n according_a to_o his_o proportion_n and_o that_o the_o abbot_n of_o bury_n aught_o to_o repair_v one_o bank_n in_o welle_v lead_v from_o sewalesclote_n in_o welle_v to_o lakebrigge_n and_o make_v it_o high_o than_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n by_o two_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n at_o the_o top_n eight_o foot_n and_o that_o the_o landholders_n in_o sayerfâ—ld_n in_o welle_v aught_o to_o repair_v a_o certain_a bank_n in_o welle_v call_v thornedyche_n from_o lowndesâ—rove_n to_o the_o stone_n cross_n in_o that_o town_n and_o to_o make_v it_o high_o by_o two_o foot_n than_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n and_o in_o breadth_n eight_o foot_n and_o that_o a_o certain_a drove_n in_o welle_v call_v mâ—â—sdrove_v lead_v from_o grenedyke_n unto_o pyldrove_n be_v make_v high_a by_o three_o foot_n than_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v and_o in_o breadth_n xij_o foot_n by_o the_o landholders_n in_o budbeche_n within_o the_o say_v drive_v and_o the_o say_a juror_n also_o present_v that_o there_o then_o be_v and_o have_v ancient_o be_v a_o certain_a crest_n in_o uppewelle_n call_v pysdrove_v lead_v from_o grenedike_n in_o uppewelle_n unto_o the_o great_a river_n of_o welle_v aforesaid_a which_o crest_n ought_v and_o have_v ancient_o be_v make_v and_o repair_v by_o the_o landholders_n in_o the_o say_a town_n of_o uppewelle_n and_o they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o the_o part_n adjacent_a that_o the_o say_a crest_n shall_v be_v make_v perfect_a and_o high_a than_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o low_a place_n by_o three_o foot_n and_o to_o be_v eight_o foot_n in_o breadth_n at_o the_o top_n and_o that_o all_o person_n have_v landâ—_n or_o tenement_n in_o the_o field_n call_v rudbeche_n in_o outwelle_n and_o uppewelle_n aught_o to_o repair_v a_o certain_a gutter_n near_o unto_o the_o message_n of_o simon_n king_n in_o outwelle_n aforesaid_a whereby_o the_o water_n of_o rudbeche_n may_v run_v into_o the_o great_a river_n of_o outwelle_n and_o they_o also_o say_v that_o for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o the_o land_n within_o the_o say_a field_n of_o rudbeche_n â—hat_n the_o same_o gutter_n ought_v to_o be_v new_o make_v with_o stone_n by_o those_o person_n who_o have_v land_n or_o tenement_n in_o the_o say_a field_n of_o rudbeche_n whereupon_o the_o before-specified_n commissioner_n do_v decree_n and_o ordain_v that_o the_o say_a bank_n call_v grenedyke_n as_o also_o that_o lead_n from_o sewalesclote_n to_o lakebrigge_n and_o the_o bank_n call_v thornedyche_n with_o the_o drove_n call_v meysdrove_v and_o pyisdrove_v shall_v be_v raise_v and_o repair_v in_o manner_n and_o form_n above-specified_n by_o the_o say_a party_n each_o man_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o his_o tenure_n as_o often_o as_o need_n shall_v require_v and_o likewise_o that_o the_o say_a gutter_n lie_v near_o the_o message_n of_o simon_n king_n shall_v be_v new_o make_v of_o stone_n by_o the_o party_n abovesaid_a and_o they_o moreover_o present_v that_o the_o bank_n call_v elmfendiche_n begin_v at_o kekysmylle_n and_o lead_v to_o benstedehyrne_n hence_o to_o tilnâ—y_v hirnâ—_n and_o thence_o to_o mareysdam_n in_o elm_n aught_o to_o be_v raise_v three_o foot_n high_o and_o to_o be_v sâ—x_n foot_n in_o breadth_n at_o the_o top_n according_a to_o a_o ancient_a agistment_n and_o that_o the_o bank_n call_v redmoredyke_n in_o elm_n begin_v at_o coldham_n câ—ouse_n and_o lead_v to_o friday_n brigge_v in_o the_o same_o town_n aught_o to_o be_v well_o and_o sufficient_o repair_v by_o all_o the_o landholders_n in_o redmoresfield_n and_o walyschâ—feld_n by_o new_a agistment_n to_o be_v thereof_o make_v and_o to_o be_v make_v high_a by_o four_o foot_n than_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n and_o eight_o foot_n in_o breadth_n at_o the_o top_n as_o also_o that_o the_o bank_n which_o begin_v at_o frydaybrigge_a aforesaid_a on_o the_o westside_n of_o the_o river_n and_o reach_v to_o maryesdam_n aught_o to_o be_v make_v three_o foot_n in_o height_n more_o than_o it_o be_v and_o to_o contain_v eight_o foot_n in_o breadth_n at_o the_o top_n and_o they_o also_o present_v that_o the_o bank_n call_v the_o gebrynke_n in_o elm_n on_o the_o east_n side_n of_o the_o river_n there_o beginning_z at_z s._n gilâ—s_n drive_v and_o extend_v to_o friday_n brigge_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o mareysdam_n aught_o to_o be_v repair_v and_o raise_v high_a than_o it_o be_v at_o that_o present_a by_o three_o foot_n and_o to_o be_v twelve_o foot_n in_o breadth_n at_o the_o top_n and_o this_o to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o landholders_n in_o oldfield_n and_o needham_n according_a to_o a_o ancient_a agistment_n and_o that_o the_o bank_n call_v nedham_n dyche_a in_o elm_n begin_v at_o thornedyche_n in_o welle_v and_o extend_v to_o coldham_n kyrfe_n in_o elm_n aught_o to_o be_v repair_v and_o raise_v high_a in_o all_o the_o low_a place_n thereofâ—_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v equal_a to_o the_o bank_n of_o john_n blewyk_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o same_o dyche_n and_o they_o likewise_o present_v that_o all_o person_n have_v land_n abut_a upon_o a_o certain_a sewer_n in_o elm_n which_o lead_v from_o the_o hade_n of_o the_o land_n in_o nedham_n from_o friday_n brigge_v to_o knytesdyke_n in_o the_o same_o town_n and_o thence_o to_o s._n christopher_n chapel_n in_o outewelle_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o clown_n at_o the_o stone_n cross_n in_o outewelle_n aught_o and_o have_v use_v to_o repair_v and_o scour_v the_o say_a sewer_n at_o the_o hade_n of_o their_o land_n so_o that_o the_o water_n of_o nedeham_n may_v have_v its_o course_n to_o wellescholle_a and_o that_o all_o man_n have_v land_n betwixt_o friday_n brigge_n in_o elm_n and_o grenedyke_n in_o welle_v and_o betwixt_o bishopisdyke_n and_o nedehamdyke_n in_o elm_n aught_o to_o make_v and_o repair_v one_o clow_n as_o sufficient_o as_o it_o can_v be_v do_v to_o stop_v the_o water_n of_o outewelle_n in_o the_o winter_n
breadth_n six_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n three_o betwixt_o the_o land_n of_o martin_n thompson_n and_o the_o land_n of_o john_n mendham_n at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o landholder_n who_o have_v benefit_n thereby_o and_o that_o another_o sewer_n shall_v be_v make_v in_o the_o same_o field_n in_o breadth_n six_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n three_o betwixt_o the_o land_n of_o john_n rogerson_n and_o the_o land_n of_o alice_n pope_n at_o the_o charge_n of_o all_o those_o person_n who_o have_v also_o benefit_n thereby_o and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v another_o sewer_n make_v in_o longefelde_n in_o neutone_n of_o the_o like_a breadth_n and_o depth_n near_o to_o the_o land_n of_o john_n derby_n call_v barowsdyke_n and_o betwixt_o the_o land_n of_o simon_n thomsone_n from_o milan_n to_o medow-lane_n at_o the_o charge_n of_o all_o those_o who_o have_v commodity_n thereby_o and_o that_o another_o sewer_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o say_a field_n call_v longfield_n from_o the_o land_n of_o sir_n john_n colvyle_n knight_n near_o to_o the_o land_n of_o john_n godeknape_n unto_o the_o say_v next_o sewer_n in_o breadth_n six_o foot_n and_o depth_n three_o at_o the_o charge_n of_o all_o person_n have_v profit_n thereby_o and_o that_o all_o the_o hade_n of_o the_o land_n of_o fytton_n croftâ—s_v shall_v be_v dig_v from_o doddyke_n to_o medow-lane_n in_o breadth_n eight_o foot_n and_o depth_n four_o at_o the_o cost_v likewise_o of_o those_o who_o have_v benefit_n thereby_o and_o that_o all_o the_o hade_n likewise_o of_o the_o land_n of_o fytton_n crofte_v shall_v be_v dig_v in_o breadth_n eight_o foot_n and_o depth_n four_o from_o lowynsfendike_n unto_o doddys_n at_o the_o charge_n of_o those_o person_n who_o shall_v have_v benefit_n thereby_o and_o they_o present_v moreover_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v another_o sewer_n make_v by_o the_o hade_n of_o the_o land_n in_o the_o middle_n of_o oldfield_n from_o fdtton_n croftâ—s_v to_o the_o land_n of_o sir_n john_n colevile_n knight_n call_v wortheynyscroft_n in_o breadth_n six_o foot_n and_o depth_n three_o at_o the_o cost_n of_o all_o such_o person_n who_o shall_v have_v commodity_n thereby_o as_o also_o another_o sewer_n at_o wortheynyscroft_n on_o the_o south_n side_n unto_o dod_n dyke_n six_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o four_o in_o depth_n at_o the_o cost_v likewise_o of_o such_o as_o shall_v have_v profit_n thereby_o and_o they_o also_o present_v that_o the_o town_n of_o neutone_n time_n out_o of_o mind_n aught_o and_o have_v wont_a to_o repair_v and_o make_v a_o certain_a bank_n call_v lowynsfendike_n begin_v at_o fytton_n and_o lead_v to_o tide_n siddyke_n two_o foot_n high_o than_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o best_a place_n and_o xij_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o that_o john_n symondeson_n of_o neutone_n for_o the_o whole_a time_n aforesaid_a ought_v and_o have_v wont_a to_o make_v and_o maintain_v a_o certain_a dam_n at_o the_o east_n end_n of_o the_o land_n in_o newfield_n to_o restrain_v the_o water_n of_o the_o say_v newfield_n from_o descend_v into_o the_o next_o field_n call_v rolsefield_n and_o that_o the_o say_a town_n of_o neutone_n ought_v and_o have_v wont_a to_o make_v and_o repair_v a_o certain_a bank_n in_o neutone_n call_v the_o gordyke_n beginning_n at_o blokkyslane_n and_o lead_v to_o shoffendyche_n in_o height_n six_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n twelve_o whereupon_o the_o say_v commissioner_n do_v decree_n according_o and_o the_o say_a juror_n likewise_o present_v that_o all_o the_o landholders_n in_o newfield_n in_o tide_n s._n giles_n aught_o and_o have_v use_v to_o make_v and_o repair_v one_o crest_n in_o a_o certain_a field_n call_v beeslane_n field_n in_o the_o same_o town_n begin_v at_o tide_n syddike_n and_o extend_v to_o brounesbrigge_n in_o height_n four_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n eight_o and_o that_o the_o landholders_n in_o southfelde_n in_o the_o same_o town_n aught_o and_o have_v use_v to_o make_v and_o repair_v another_o crest_n from_o tide_n syd_n dyke_n to_o brounesbrigge_n in_o height_n four_o fooâ—_n and_o breadth_n eight_o and_o that_o all_o the_o landholders_n in_o southfelde_n in_o the_o same_o town_n beginning_n at_o the_o land_n of_o john_n household_n abut_a upon_o a_o certain_a mansion_n call_v beesplace_v unto_o tide_n syd_n dyke_n aught_o and_o time_n out_o of_o mind_n have_v use_v to_o make_v one_o crest_n upon_o syd_n dyke_n begin_v at_o beeslane_n end_n and_o lead_v to_o averey_n cross_n in_o the_o same_o town_n four_o foot_n in_o height_n and_o eight_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o that_o the_o landholders_n in_o southfelde_n aforesaid_a of_o the_o land_n abut_a upon_o broad_a gate_n aught_o and_o do_v use_v to_o repair_v and_o make_v one_o crest_n near_o to_o the_o common_a sewer_n on_o the_o south_n side_n in_o height_n four_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n eight_o and_o that_o all_o the_o landholders_n in_o bradeste_n of_o the_o land_n abut_a upon_o hascroft_n lane_n towards_o the_o west_n aught_o and_o have_v use_v for_o the_o whole_a time_n aforesaid_a to_o make_v and_o repair_v a_o certain_a sewer_n beginning_n at_o the_o sewer_n next_o unto_o the_o land_n call_v stokwellesland_n unto_o brossebrygge_n in_o breadth_n eight_o foot_n and_o depth_n four_o and_o they_o likewise_o present_v that_o all_o the_o landholders_n of_o the_o land_n in_o halcrofte_a for_o the_o whole_a time_n aforesaid_a ought_v and_o have_v wont_a to_o make_v and_o repair_v sufficient_o the_o common_a sewer_n in_o halcrofte_a unto_o welmany_n fleet_n thwart_v the_o high_a way_n call_v crosse-gate_n and_o so_o by_o the_o land_n late_o belong_v to_o thomas_n retherwyk_n and_o john_n mayner_z unto_o the_o land_n late_o belong_v to_o john_n bee_n but_o then_o to_o john_n hunstone_n and_o so_o betwixt_o the_o land_n of_o the_o say_v john_n hunstone_n and_o isabella_n retherwyk_n unto_o sondy_n lane_n and_o there_o to_o make_v one_o bridge_n of_o one_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o asmuch_o in_o depth_n and_o so_o betwixt_o the_o land_n of_o john_n lambard_n and_o the_o land_n late_o of_o geffrey_n cousin_n unto_o sedyk_a lane_n and_o the_o land_n of_o a_o certain_a field_n call_v blohevede_n unto_o the_o floodgate_n and_o that_o all_o the_o landholders_n in_o edykfelde_n from_o blakeslane_n to_o mosselane_n abut_a upon_o edyke_n aught_o and_o do_v use_v to_o make_v and_o repair_v a_o certain_a sewer_n at_o the_o north_n point_n of_o the_o land_n of_o edykfelde_n aforesaid_a in_o breadth_n eight_o foot_n and_o depth_n four_o and_o they_o also_o present_v that_o all_o the_o landholders_n in_o edykfelde_n aught_o and_o have_v use_v to_o make_v one_o sewer_n at_o the_o north_n end_n of_o the_o land_n of_o edykfelde_n aforesaid_a abut_a upon_o edyke_n from_o blakkeslane_n to_o barrowsgrene_n in_o breadth_n eight_o foot_n and_o depth_n four_o so_o that_o the_o fresh_a water_n may_v have_v its_o course_n to_o blakkeslane_n unto_o the_o great_a sewer_n and_o so_o the_o sea_n and_o that_o all_o the_o landholders_n in_o hornefeld_n aught_o and_o have_v use_v to_o make_v and_o repair_v one_o crest_n in_o brodgate_n in_o tide_n s._n giles_n on_o the_o south_n part_n of_o the_o sewer_n call_v marteynesfendyk_n unto_o the_o corner_n where_o will._n hubert_n then_o dwell_v in_o height_n four_o â—oot_n and_o breadth_n ten_o and_o that_o all_o the_o landholders_n in_o cokley_n field_n aught_o and_o have_v use_v to_o make_v and_o repair_v one_o crest_n in_o botteleslane_n from_o bottelesbrigge_n to_o the_o i_fw-mi dyke_n in_o height_n four_o foot_n and_o breadth_n twelve_o and_o that_o all_o the_o landholders_n in_o fendykfelde_n and_o north_n lane_n fell_v ought_v and_o do_v use_v to_o make_v and_o repair_v one_o crest_n in_o blake_n lane_n in_o tide_n aforesaid_a from_o bottelesbrigge_n unto_o tubbesbrigge_n and_o from_o the_o land_n of_o john_n ingleche_n unto_o i_fw-mi dyke_n in_o height_n four_o foot_n and_o breadth_n eight_o and_o that_o all_o the_o landholders_n of_o the_o land_n in_o carrowfelde_n abut_a upon_o i_fw-mi gatâ—_n from_o gotebrigge_n to_o northlane_n aught_o and_o have_v wont_a to_o make_v and_o raise_v one_o crest_n in_o eegate_n in_o tide_n aforesaid_a where_o need_n shall_v be_v in_o height_n four_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n twelve_o and_o that_o all_o the_o landholders_n in_o tide_n aforesaid_a do_v use_v and_o aught_o to_o raise_v and_o make_v one_o bank_n call_v byshopesdyke_n from_o tubbesbrigge_n unto_o the_o i_fw-mi dyke_n in_o height_n four_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n twelve_o and_o they_o moreover_o present_v that_o the_o town_n of_o tide_n s._n giles_n aught_o and_o have_v use_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n to_o make_v and_o repair_v sufficient_o one_o clow_n or_o one_o dam_n in_o the_o common_a sewer_n of_o tide_n next_o to_o the_o land_n of_o simon_n canchâ—ne_n and_o hascroft_n lane_n on_o the_o west-part_n and_o another_o clown_n or_o one_o dam_n in_o the_o
common_a sewer_n at_o brownesbrigge_n and_o another_o clown_n or_o one_o dam_n in_o the_o common_a sewer_n at_o wâ—singhambrigge_n and_o another_o at_o boteleslane_n brigge_n and_o another_o at_o tubbesbrigge_n so_o also_o one_o in_o each_o of_o the_o common_a sewer_n at_o mannyngesbrigge_n beeslane_n brigge_n and_o stonebrigge_n in_o kirklane_n and_o that_o the_o say_a town_n of_o tide_n ought_v also_o and_o do_v use_v to_o make_v repair_n and_o mantain_n sufficient_o two_o bank_n call_v wardyches_n in_o tide_n aforesaid_a viz._n the_o syd_n dyke_n and_o three_o dike_v begin_v at_o avereys_n tree_n in_o tide_n aforesaid_a and_o extend_v to_o the_o new_a fen_n dyke_n in_o the_o same_o town_n high_a by_o six_o foot_n than_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o best_a place_n and_o in_o breadth_n twelve_o and_o that_o the_o say_a town_n of_o tide_n ought_v to_o raiseâ—_n maintain_v and_o repair_v sufficient_o one_o bank_n call_v marteynesfendike_n in_o tide_n aforesaid_a beginning_n at_o avereys_n tree_n and_o lead_v to_o wesynham_n brigge_n in_o the_o same_o town_n six_o foot_n high_o than_o it_o be_v at_o that_o present_a in_o the_o best_a place_n and_o in_o breadth_n xij_o foot_n whereupon_o the_o before-specified_n commissioner_n decree_v that_o the_o say_v sewer_n and_o bank_n shall_v be_v make_v and_o raise_v according_o and_o they_o likewise_o for_o the_o better_a safeguard_n of_o the_o say_a town_n of_o tide_n do_v decree_n and_o ordain_v that_o a_o new_a sewer_n shall_v be_v make_v from_o brownysbrigge_n unto_o kirklane_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o newgate_n in_o breadth_n ten_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n as_o much_o as_o need_v so_o that_o the_o river_n of_o elâ—tesfeld_n fendykefeld_n cokeleyfeld_n hornefeld_n and_o rylondfeld_n may_v have_v their_o course_n to_o the_o house_n sometime_o belong_v to_o will._n noche_n but_o then_o to_o will._n hobart_n on_o the_o north_n part_n of_o brodgate_n and_o so_o thwart_v the_o broadgate_n unto_o brownesbrigge_n aforesaid_a on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o brodgate_n and_o so_o unto_o the_o say_v new_a sewer_n and_o then_o cross_v kirklane_n where_o a_o fit_a bridge_n of_o breadth_n and_o depth_n convenient_a be_v to_o be_v make_v and_o so_o by_o the_o hade_n of_o the_o land_n of_o somerleswe_n abut_a on_o kirklane_n towards_o the_o west_n unto_o thorgereslane_n and_o so_o by_o thorgereslane_n on_o the_o north_n side_n unto_o hastcroft_n dyke_n near_o to_o thesâ—ill_v brigge_n and_o from_o theste_o brigge_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o thorgaresâ—ane_n unto_o hascrost_a mill_v hylle_v thwart_v hascroft_n dyke_n and_o so_o to_o the_o ancient_a sewer_n call_v brossebrigge_n and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n which_o sewer_n be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o all_o the_o landholders_n of_o the_o town_n of_o tide_n aforesaid_a and_o that_o the_o two_o sewer_n on_o each_o side_n brodgate_n and_o kirkgate_n from_o the_o house_n of_o will._n hobert_n and_o brownesbrigge_n shall_v be_v stop_v up_o when_o need_v require_v and_o that_o one_o sewer_n shall_v be_v repair_v and_o dig_v on_o the_o south_n part_n of_o southgrafte_n fell_v near_o to_o the_o syddyke_n viz._n from_o childesgrave_n unto_o the_o gorys_n and_o so_o to_o theâ—tely_o brigge_n eight_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o as_o deep_a as_o need_v by_o all_o the_o landholders_n in_o southgrafte_n fell_v aforesaid_a and_o that_o all_o the_o hade_fw-mi land_n of_o southgrafte_n fell_v aforesaid_a towards_o thorgaresâ—ane_n shall_v be_v stop_v by_o the_o landholders_n there_o upon_o penalty_n of_o xxs._o for_o every_o of_o they_o to_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n for_o the_o time_n be_v so_o that_o the_o water_n of_o southgrafte_n fell_v aforesaid_a may_v have_v its_o course_n to_o the_o sea_n without_o any_o impediment_n and_o that_o every_o man_n have_v land_n or_o tenement_n in_o tide_n aforesaid_a may_v take_v earth_n to_o repair_v and_o make_v the_o shoffen_n dyke_n from_o the_o common_a next_o to_o the_o river_n which_o be_v in_o tide_n aforesaid_a and_o tide_n s._n mary_n which_o be_v the_o division_n betwixt_o cambridgshire_n and_o lincolnshire_n and_o that_o the_o say_v shoffendyke_n shall_v be_v bar_v in_o three_o place_n to_o prevent_v cart_n from_o come_v thereon_o and_o that_o a_o certain_a way_n in_o tide_n aforesaid_a call_v beeâ—lane_n shall_v likewise_o be_v bar_v for_o the_o same_o respect_n from_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n michael_n the_o arch_a angel_n unto_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n peter_n ad_fw-la vincula_fw-la by_o the_o landholders_n in_o newfelde_n and_o they_o last_o present_v that_o thomas_n flower_n of_o okham_n in_o the_o county_n of_o roteland_n aught_o to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v upon_o the_o bank_n call_v wisebeche_n fendyche_n a_o certain_a proportion_n contain_v six_o hundred_o foot_n in_o respect_n of_o twenty-four_o acre_n of_o land_n in_o wisebeche_n and_o that_o upon_o monday_n the_o feast_n of_o s._n wolstan_n the_o bâ—shop_n and_o confessor_n in_o the_o seventeen_o year_n of_o the_o say_a king_n henry_n the_o six_o his_o reign_n the_o same_o portion_n of_o that_o bank_n be_v break_v and_o decay_v and_o that_o the_o dike_n reeves_n aforesaid_a do_v warn_v the_o say_a thomas_n to_o amend_v the_o same_o which_o he_o refuse_v to_o do_v the_o fresh_a water_n make_v the_o say_a breach_n great_a whereby_o the_o portion_n of_o the_o same_o bank_n belong_v to_o geffrey_n lambard_n and_o other_o adjoin_v thereto_o be_v also_o break_v and_o ruin_v to_o the_o danger_n of_o destroy_v the_o whole_a country_n mmmmcccc_n acre_n in_o wisebeche_n mmmmdc_n acre_n in_o leverington_n mcccc_n acre_n in_o neutone_n and_o mm._n acre_n in_o tide_n be_v thereby_o at_o that_o time_n overflow_v and_o drown_v not_o long_o after_o this_o viz._n upon_o saturday_n next_o before_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o nativity_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n in_o 17_o h._n 6._o there_o be_v a_o session_n a._n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o wisebeche_n by_o sir_n john_n colevile_n knight_n gilbert_n haltoft_n and_o other_o at_o which_o time_n the_o juror_n present_v upon_o their_o oath_n that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a sewer_n call_v south_n i_fw-mi but_o ancient_o old_a i_o whereby_o the_o water_n of_o nene_n and_o weland_n ought_v to_o pass_v from_o noman_n land_n in_o croyland_n unto_o dowesdale_n in_o the_o same_o town_n and_o thence_o by_o south_n i_fw-mi dyke_n unto_o the_o east_n end_n of_o the_o field_n of_o throkenold_n in_o leverington_n near_o the_o cross_n in_o leverington_n and_o thence_o into_o the_o sewer_n call_v fendiche_n in_o leverington_n and_o wisebeche_n unto_o the_o river_n of_o wisebeche_n at_o guyhirne_n which_o sewer_n of_o south_n i_fw-mi aforesaid_a be_v the_o division_n betwixt_o lincolnshire_n and_o cambridgshire_n and_o that_o the_o moiety_n of_o the_o say_a sewer_n ought_v to_o be_v scour_v by_o the_o abbot_n of_o crouland_n and_o the_o town_n of_o quaplode_n hotheche_n fleet_n gedney_n sutton_n and_o tide_n s_o maries_fw-fr in_o lincolnshire_n viz._n by_o the_o say_a abbot_n to_o dowesdale_n aforesaid_a and_o thence_o by_o each_o village_n aforesaid_a for_o their_o proportion_n of_o land_n in_o each_o town_n and_o the_o other_o moiety_n by_o the_o abbot_n of_o thorney_n and_o bishop_n of_o ely_n with_o his_o tenant_n of_o wisebeche_n hundred_o viz._n by_o the_o say_a abbot_n for_o his_o fen_n in_o thorney_n and_o leverington_n border_v upon_o the_o same_o sewer_n and_o by_o the_o say_a bishop_n and_o his_o tenant_n for_o their_o fen_n call_v wisebeche_v fen_n in_o cambridgshire_n abut_a upon_o the_o say_a sewer_n and_o the_o say_a sewer_n call_v fendiche_n aught_o to_o be_v cleanse_v by_o the_o town_n of_o wisebeche_n leverinton_n neuton_n and_o tide_n s._n giles_n and_o that_o the_o say_a moiety_n of_o that_o sewer_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v scour_v by_o the_o say_a town_n of_o quaplode_n holbeche_n fleet_n gedney_n sutton_n &_o tide_n s._n mary_n be_v not_o cleanse_v but_o stop_v up_o and_o fill_v with_o reed_n haff_n and_o other_o vegetable_n so_o that_o the_o say_a water_n can_v not_o have_v its_o right_a course_n unto_o the_o say_a sewer_n call_v fendiche_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o river_n of_o wisebeche_n and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n as_o it_o use_v to_o have_v whereby_o the_o whole_a fen_n call_v wisebeche_n fen_n belong_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n be_v drown_v so_o that_o the_o say_a bishop_n and_o his_o tenant_n of_o wisebeche_n hundred_o can_v not_o receive_v any_o benefit_n in_o the_o same_o and_o they_o likewise_o present_v that_o one_o part_n of_o the_o water_n of_o nene_n descend_v from_o the_o bridge_n at_o peterborough_n unto_o thorney_n bar_v aforesaid_a thence_o to_o noman_n land_n in_o croyland_n which_o river_n the_o abbot_n of_o peterborough_n and_o thorney_n ought_v to_o cleanse_v from_o the_o say_a bridge_n at_o peterborough_n unto_o thorney_n bart_n aforesaid_a and_o thence_o to_o noman_n land_n aforesaid_a viz._n the_o abbot_n of_o peterborough_n the_o
thomas_n beaupre_n for_o as_o much_o by_o john_n fincham_n also_o for_o half_a a_o mile_n by_o the_o abbot_n of_o ramsey_n for_o the_o like_a proportion_n by_o the_o prior_n of_o walsyngham_n for_o three_o mile_n and_o by_o the_o prior_n of_o lynne_n for_o three_o furlong_n unto_o the_o end_n thereof_o wide_o load_n ought_v to_o be_v cleanse_v by_o the_o town_n of_o welle_v for_o half_a a_o mile_n by_o the_o prior_n of_o thetford_n and_o the_o heir_n of_o bekeswell_n for_o twenty-five_o furlong_n and_o by_o the_o prior_n of_o lewes_n for_o one_o mile_n old_a small_a load_n begin_v from_o wide_a load_n and_o aught_o for_o the_o space_n of_o half_a a_o mile_n to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n and_o by_o the_o abbot_n of_o dereham_n and_o john_n aylesham_n by_o the_o space_n of_o half_a a_o furlong_n webwinch_n lake_n ought_v to_o be_v cleanse_v by_o the_o abbot_n of_o ramsey_n for_o the_o space_n of_o two_o mile_n the_o town_n of_o welle_v aught_o to_o scour_v from_o the_o sholle_a of_o outwell_n for_o the_o space_n of_o half_a a_o mile_n thence_o the_o prior_n of_o lynne_n unto_o mullicourt_n for_o one_o furlong_n and_o thence_o the_o prior_n of_o lewes_n for_o one_o mile_n and_o more_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n and_o john_n ailesham_n ought_v to_o scour_v the_o watercourse_n from_o north_n delf_n unto_o salter_n load_n for_o the_o space_n of_o half_a a_o mile_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n alone_o for_o two_o mile_n and_o more_o the_o lord_n scrope_n ought_v to_o cleanse_v the_o channel_n from_o darsey_n load_n to_o manytownsend_n for_o the_o space_n of_o one_o mile_n cock_n load_n begin_v at_o hunney_n corner_n and_o continue_v to_o manyfeld_n end_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v cleanse_v by_o the_o abbot_n of_o ramsey_n and_o from_o mannyfeld_n end_n to_o harry_n mace_n coat_n by_o the_o lord_n scrope_n unto_o maney_n load_n the_o river_n of_o nene_n have_v its_o rise_n above_o northampton_n and_o come_v to_o peterborough_n bridge_n and_o thence_o to_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v noman_n land_n and_o there_o enter_v into_o south_n i_fw-mi which_o be_v distant_a from_o peterborough_n fourteen_o mile_n by_o estimation_n which_o river_n ought_v to_o be_v scour_v and_o cleanse_v by_o the_o abbot_n of_o peterborough_n and_o thorney_n but_o be_v not_o and_o from_o noman_n land_n to_o dowesdale_n by_o the_o abbot_n of_o crouland_n and_o thorney_n for_o the_o space_n of_o four_o mile_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o clow_n cross_a on_o the_o south_n side_n by_o the_o abbot_n of_o thorney_n and_o on_o the_o north_n by_o the_o abbot_n of_o crouland_n with_o the_o town_n of_o holbeche_n fleet_n and_o sutton_n for_o six_o mile_n the_o river_n of_o wailand_n begin_v above_o the_o town_n of_o stamford_n and_o run_v unto_o the_o triangular_a bridge_n at_o crouland_n and_o thence_o one_o part_n thereof_o pass_v unto_o spalding_n i_fw-mi and_o the_o other_o to_o nomans_n land_n some_o say_v that_o it_o do_v ancient_o râ—n_v into_o a_o certain_a fen_n belong_v to_o the_o abbot_n of_o crouland_n call_v the_o pricmote_a alias_o posson_n in_o lincolnshire_n and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n but_o now_o that_o current_n be_v stop_v it_o run_v by_o the_o south_n i_fw-mi unto_o clow_n cross_a and_o so_o to_o guy_n hirne_n furthermore_o betwixt_o shepelode_n and_o salterslode_n there_o be_v a_o sewer_n call_v thief_n lake_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o thomas_n gawsell_n unto_o the_o great_a river_n at_o salterslode_n it_o lie_v on_o the_o west_n side_n of_o salter_n load_n about_o half_a a_o mile_n distant_a also_o there_o be_v another_o common_a sewer_n call_v stremelake_n lie_v betwixt_o shiplode_n aforesaid_a and_o salter_n load_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v cleanse_v the_o fen_n betwixt_o crekelode_n welle_v and_o salterslode_v aught_o to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o town_n of_o denver_n for_o the_o space_n of_o six_o furlong_n and_o more_o there_o be_v also_o a_o common_a sewer_n call_v ancient_o denver_n hithe_n now_o stop_v by_o the_o lord_n berkley_n and_o the_o town_n of_o denver_n which_o contain_v one_o furlong_n and_o more_o after_o this_o viz._n in_o 2_o edw._n 6._o at_o a_o session_n b._n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o upwell_n upon_o the_o monday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o nativity_n of_o s._n john_n baptist_n by_o geffrey_n colvile_n edmund_n reaupre_n thomas_n dereham_n richâ—rd_n everard_n and_o john_n willoughby_n esquire_n james_n hawes_n and_o john_n schuldham_n gentleman_n the_o juror_n present_v upon_o their_o oath_n that_o by_o the_o great_a abundance_n of_o fresh_a water_n yearly_o descend_v from_o the_o county_n 6._o of_o norff._n suff._n cambr._n bedf._n hunt_n north._n rutl._n and_o linc._n by_o and_o through_o two_o great_a river_n viz._n ouse_n extend_v from_o cambridge_n unto_o ely_n thence_o to_o lytilport_n chair_n thence_o to_o sotherey_n thence_o to_o helgay_n thence_o to_o fordham_n thence_o to_o denver_n thence_o to_o a_o place_n in_o dounham_n call_v salter_n load_n thence_o to_o wymbotesham_n thence_o to_o stow-bardolf_n and_o thence_o unto_o the_o north_n sea_n at_o king_n lynne_z in_o the_o say_a county_n of_o norff._n and_o the_o other_o great_a river_n call_v the_o great_a i_fw-mi extend_v from_o peterburgh_n in_o the_o say_a county_n of_o northampton_n unto_o ramsey_n thence_o to_o a_o certain_a sewer_n or_o decay_a river_n in_o march_n in_o the_o say_a county_n of_o cambridge_n call_v great_a cross_n thence_o to_o a_o certain_a decay_a river_n or_o sewer_n call_v creke_v load_n in_o march_n aforesaid_a thence_o into_o another_o decay_a river_n or_o sewer_n call_v the_o new_a leame_z in_o march_z aforesaid_a thence_o unto_o a_o certain_a place_n in_o upwell_n aforesaid_a call_v shewysn_a point_n and_o there_o the_o say_a river_n divide_v itself_o into_o two_o branch_n whereof_o the_o one_o return_v south_n eastward_o and_o be_v call_v the_o south_n branch_n unto_o a_o certain_a old_a decay_a sewer_n in_o welney_n a_o hamlet_n of_o upwell_n aforesaid_a call_v maid_n load_n thence_o unto_o another_o old_a decay_a sewer_n between_o welney_n aforesaid_a and_o lytilport_n in_o the_o i_o will_v of_o ely_n call_v new_a dike_a and_o creek_n load_n in_o sotherey_n aforesaid_a thence_o unto_o lytilport_n chair_n aforesaid_a and_o so_o to_o the_o aforesaid_a great_a river_n of_o ouse_n and_o so_o to_o the_o north_n sea_n at_o k._n lynne_n and_o the_o other_o branch_n descend_v north_n east_n ward_n call_v the_o north_n branch_n from_o the_o say_a place_n call_v shrewysn_a point_n unto_o a_o certain_a place_n in_o outwell_n aforesaid_a call_v outwell_n sholle_a thence_o southward_o unto_o a_o certain_a place_n in_o dounham_n aforesaid_a call_v northdelf_n thence_o eastward_n unto_o salter_n load_n into_o the_o say_a river_n of_o ouse_n there_o be_v yearly_o drown_v within_o the_o town_n of_o upwell_n and_o outwell_n aforesaid_a eight_o thousand_o acre_n of_o marish_a and_o pasture_n ground_n over_o and_o beside_o the_o great_a damage_n unto_o four_o several_a infield_n of_o the_o same_o parish_n call_v plawfield_n kirkfield_n budbech_n and_o sandyfield_n to_o the_o number_n of_o 1600_o acre_n and_o to_o the_o house_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o same_o parish_n to_o the_o number_n of_o 300_o household_n be_v not_o the_o same_o field_n and_o house_n defend_v by_o great_a bank_n dikes_n and_o crest_n make_v for_o their_o safeguard_n to_o the_o great_a impoverish_n of_o the_o say_a inhabitant_n special_o by_o the_o say_a water_n descend_v by_o the_o say_v great_a i_fw-mi wisbeche_n from_o peterborough_n unto_o ramsey_n thence_o to_o march_n so_o to_o upwell_n and_o outwell_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o north_n sea_n at_o k._n lynne_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o water_n of_o the_o say_v great_a i_fw-mi sometime_o be_v convey_v unto_o the_o north_n sea_n at_o wisebeche_n by_o the_o say_v decay_a river_n in_o march_n aforesaid_a call_v great_a cross_n crekelode_n and_o the_o new_a leame_z whereof_o the_o far_a river_n call_v great_a cross_n pass_v not_o in_o distance_n from_o the_o say_v great_a i_fw-mi in_o march_n aforesaid_a to_o the_o say_a town_n of_o wisebeche_n ten_o mile_n and_o the_o say_a load_n call_v crek_n load_n in_o march_n aforesaid_a be_v not_o in_o distance_n in_o length_n from_o the_o say_v great_a i_fw-mi unto_o the_o say_a town_n of_o wisbeche_n but_o six_o mile_n and_o a_o half_a and_o the_o say_v new_a leame_z but_o 5_o mile_n and_o a_o half_a from_o the_o say_v great_a i_fw-mi unto_o wisebeche_n and_o now_o the_o water_n be_v force_v to_o take_v in_o manner_n his_o full_a and_o whole_a course_n contrary_a wise_a from_o his_o natural_a and_o most_o ready_a fall_v at_o wisebeche_n aforesaid_a in_o form_n aforesaid_a be_v constrain_v unto_o the_o say_a chapel_n in_o upwell_n aforesaid_a call_v shrewysn_a point_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o say_a
sewer_n where_o it_o divide_v into_o two_o branch_n as_o before_o be_v mention_v and_o the_o one_o branch_n go_v south_n eastward_o in_o form_n aforesaid_a extend_v in_o distance_n and_o length_n from_o the_o say_v great_a cross_n unto_o shrewysn_a point_n and_o so_o by_o the_o say_a south_n branch_n unto_o the_o say_a north_n sea_n at_o k._n lynne_n aforesaid_a liiij_o mile_n and_o the_o same_o river_n descend_v from_o the_o say_v great_a cross_n unto_o shrewysn_a point_n aforesaid_a and_o from_o thence_o by_o the_o north_n branch_n unto_o outwell_n sholle_a and_o so_o to_o the_o say_a north_n sea_n be_v in_o distance_n xxxiij_o mile_n and_o from_o the_o say_a sewer_n call_v creeklode_n in_o march_n aforesaid_a unto_o the_o say_a north_n sea_n at_o k._n lynne_n aforesaid_a by_o the_o say_a south_n branch_n be_v xlviij_o mile_n and_o by_o the_o say_a north_n branch_n xxviij_o mile_n and_o from_o the_o say_a sewer_n called_z the_o leame_z in_o march_z aforesaid_a unto_o the_o north_n sea_n at_o k._n lynne_n aforesaid_a by_o the_o say_a south_n branch_n be_v xlvii_o mile_n and_o by_o the_o north_n branch_n aforesaid_a xxvii_o mile_n the_o decay_n of_o which_o say_v several_a sewer_n with_o the_o river_n load_v and_o drayn_n from_o they_o extend_v unto_o the_o say_a town_n of_o wisebeche_n they_o say_v be_v the_o chief_a and_o special_a occasion_n of_o the_o drown_n aswell_o of_o the_o say_v marish_a and_o pasture_n in_o upwell_n and_o outwell_n as_o of_o the_o whole_a country_n of_o marshland_n and_o wigenall_n adjoin_v and_o in_o continuance_n of_o time_n as_o they_o think_v in_o their_o conscience_n will_v utter_o drown_v the_o say_v parish_n and_o the_o say_a country_n of_o marshland_n unless_o the_o same_o decay_a sewer_n be_v scour_v according_a to_o the_o ancient_a ordinance_n so_o as_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o say_v fresh_a water_n of_o the_o same_o great_a i_fw-mi in_o march_n aforesaid_a may_v be_v convey_v unto_o the_o say_a north_n sea_n by_o the_o town_n of_o wisebeche_n in_o manner_n and_o form_n aforetime_o use_v and_o they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v another_o great_a occasion_n of_o the_o drown_n of_o the_o say_v marish_a ground_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o say_v old_a sewer_n in_o upwell_n aforesaid_a call_v maid_n load_n and_o a_o part_n thereof_o call_v ship_n load_n the_o which_o lode_n begin_v at_o welney_n water_n otherwise_o call_v the_o south_n branch_n come_v from_o shrewysn_a point_n aforesaid_a and_o extend_v from_o thence_o unto_o a_o certain_a fen_n of_o the_o say_v edmund_n beaupre_n call_v week_n fen_n and_o from_o thence_o into_o a_o certain_a place_n in_o helgay_n call_v shiplode_n helgay_n house_n and_o there_o into_o the_o say_a great_a river_n of_o ouse_n the_o which_o sewer_n they_o say_v have_v be_v most_o special_o decay_v by_o reason_n that_o there_o have_v not_o be_v keep_v a_o good_a sluice_n of_o stonework_n or_o timber_n with_o sufficient_a fall_n and_o hang_v door_n to_o the_o same_o to_o stop_v out_o the_o floudsilty_a water_n and_o also_o by_o reason_n that_o the_o same_o sewer_n fall_v not_o low_a towards_o the_o say_a north_n sea_n viz._n at_o and_o against_o a_o certain_a place_n in_o denver_n call_v denver_n hithe_a at_o the_o which_o place_n they_o think_v it_o most_o meet_a for_o to_o set_v and_o build_v the_o say_a sluice_n and_o they_o say_v that_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o say_a sluice_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o substantial_a clouse_n of_o stone_n work_n and_o timber_n with_o two_o sufficient_a drawdore_n to_o the_o same_o to_o be_v set_v within_o half_a a_o furlong_n of_o the_o say_a sluice_n to_o stop_v the_o fresh_a water_n aswell_o in_o the_o time_n of_o repair_v the_o same_o sluice_n as_o to_o keep_v and_o preserve_v a_o sufficient_a portion_n of_o water_n within_o the_o say_v drayn_n in_o the_o time_n of_o extreme_a drought_n furthermore_o they_o say_v that_o forasmuch_o as_o there_o have_v not_o be_v a_o substantial_a bridge_n over_o the_o say_a sewer_n call_v maid_n load_n of_o the_o length_n of_o xx_o foot_n next_o unto_o welney_n water_n so_o as_o the_o same_o water_n at_o the_o entry_n thereof_o may_v have_v full_a passage_n have_v be_v in_o like_a manner_n a_o great_a decay_n of_o the_o say_a sewer_n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o heir_n of_o richard_n cranford_n ought_v to_o scour_v the_o say_a maid_n load_n next_o from_o the_o say_v welney_n water_n call_v the_o south_n branch_n by_o the_o space_n of_o one_o furlong_n at_o the_o wideness_n of_o xx_o foot_n and_o of_o sufficient_a depth_n and_o next_o unto_o that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o upwell_n and_o welney_n ought_v to_o dike_v the_o same_o by_o the_o space_n of_o one_o mile_n for_o certain_a land_n which_o they_o hold_v in_o common_a call_v dunthorn_n fen_n otherwise_o call_v our_o lady_n fen_n and_o one_o other_o mile_n for_o their_o common_a call_v blakmereshall_n and_o then_o the_o landholders_n belong_v to_o the_o prior_n of_o fakenham_n to_o scour_v the_o say_a lode_n call_v shiplode_n by_o the_o space_n of_o half_a a_o mile_n and_o then_o the_o say_v edmund_n beaupre_n for_o land_n belong_v to_o beaupre_n hall_n in_o outwell_n aforesaid_a half_o a_o mile_n and_o for_o his_o manor_n of_o upwell_n late_o belong_v to_o the_o dissolve_a house_n of_o ramsey_n half_o a_o mile_n and_o then_o richard_n fyncham_n gent._n for_o certain_a fen_n ground_n and_o marish_a half_n a_o mile_n and_o the_o landholders_n late_o belong_v to_o the_o monastery_n of_o walsingham_n three_o quarter_n of_o a_o mile_n then_o the_o dean_n of_o norwich_n for_o land_n belong_v to_o the_o late_a celle_n of_o monk_n in_o k._n lynne_n three_o furlong_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o say_a place_n against_o denver_n hithe_n where_o the_o say_a sluice_n shall_v be_v set_v the_o township_n of_o denver_n helgay_n and_o fordham_n shall_v dyke_n etc._n etc._n the_o rest_n of_o say_a load_n for_o four_o furlong_n in_o consideration_n that_o they_o be_v not_o charge_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o say_a sewer_n call_v maid_n load_n and_o shiplode_v and_o yet_o the_o same_o township_n shall_v drain_v by_o the_o same_o sewer_n by_o estimation_n a_o thousand_o acre_n of_o common_a fen_n and_o more_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o great_a commodity_n shall_v grow_v aswell_o to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o denver_n helgay_n and_o fordham_n as_o to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o whole_a country_n of_o mershland_n and_o wygenhall_n by_o reason_n that_o the_o same_o sewer_n as_o well_o shall_v drain_v the_o fen_n of_o denver_n helgay_n and_o fordham_n as_o also_o shall_v receive_v the_o great_a abundance_n of_o fresh_a water_n the_o which_o before_o this_o time_n have_v descend_v against_o a_o certain_a bank_n in_o outwell_n and_o dounham_n aforesaid_a call_v the_o new_a powdich_n be_v the_o only_a defence_n and_o safeguard_n of_o the_o same_o country_n of_o marshland_n and_o wigenhall_n the_o which_o for_o lack_v of_o this_o provision_n at_o this_o present_a by_o they_o agree_v have_v be_v divers_a time_n of_o late_a year_n drown_v that_o in_o consideration_n thereof_o aswell_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o marshland_n and_o wigenhall_n as_o of_o the_o say_v 4._o infields_n in_o upwell_n and_o outwell_n call_v plawfield_n kirkfield_n budbeche_v field_n and_o landy_n field_n shall_v bear_v and_o sustain_v the_o cost_v in_o and_o about_o the_o sufficient_a make_n of_o the_o say_a sluice_n and_o clowes_n and_o that_o after_o the_o same_o sluice_n and_o clowes_n be_v well_o and_o sufficient_o make_v that_o then_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v repair_v at_o the_o cost_v of_o the_o say_a inhabitant_n and_o landholders_n of_o denver_n fordham_n and_o helgay_n aforesaid_a except_o when_o the_o yearly_a charge_n in_o amend_v the_o same_o shall_v come_v to_o above_o the_o sum_n of_o xxvis._o viijd._o also_o they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v another_o great_a destruction_n aswell_o to_o the_o say_a fen_n as_o to_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o low_a ground_n within_o the_o i_o will_v of_o ely_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o say_v drain_v call_v in_o part_n new_a dike_a in_o littilport_n aforesaid_a and_o in_o part_n thereof_o call_v crikelode_n in_o sothery_a aforesaid_a betwixt_o sothery_a pool_n and_o modney_n and_o there_o enter_v into_o the_o say_a great_a river_n of_o ouse_n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n ought_v to_o scour_v the_o say_a creeklode_n from_o the_o say_v great_a river_n of_o ouse_n unto_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v the_o willow_n by_o the_o space_n of_o two_o furlong_n and_o then_o the_o landholders_n of_o the_o land_n of_o late_a belong_v to_o the_o cellerer_n of_o bury_n aught_o to_o dyke_n from_o the_o say_v willough_n unto_o pulver_n lake_n the_o dean_n of_o norwich_n for_o his_o church_n of_o fordham_n the_o parson_n of_o helgay_n for_o his_o
to_o dounham_n brigge_n unto_o stow_n brink_n house_n to_o which_o place_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v vi_o foot_n in_o breadth_n at_o the_o top_n and_o from_o thence_o unto_o staple_n be_v 8_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o of_o sufficient_a height_n and_o that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o dounham_n wymbottesham_n and_o stow_n bardolf_n aught_o to_o maintain_v the_o same_o in_o manner_n and_o form_n aforesaid_a also_o they_o say_v that_o for_o the_o avoidance_n of_o the_o fresh_a water_n fall_v within_o certain_a several_a ground_n and_o common_a fen_n of_o denver_n aforesaid_a on_o the_o east_n part_n and_o south_n part_n of_o the_o say_v great_a river_n of_o ouse_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v make_v at_o the_o cost_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o denver_n aforesaid_a and_o set_v at_o the_o say_v hithe_n one_o good_a and_o substantial_a sluice_n of_o stone_n and_o timber_n with_o a_o fall_a door_n for_o the_o avoidance_n of_o the_o say_v fresh_a water_n into_o the_o say_a great_a river_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o old_a bank_n extend_v from_o upwell_n town_n end_n by_o and_o through_o the_o common_a of_o upwell_n call_v neatmore_n unto_o a_o place_n call_v moule_n reach_z next_z unto_o the_o common_a drove_n of_o upwell_n extend_v from_o upwell_n town_n end_n to_o welney_n aforesaid_a the_o which_o bank_n be_v make_v in_o the_o beginning_n as_o it_o shall_v seem_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o certain_a common_a and_o several_a fen_n call_v neatmore_n low_a fen_n waxbeche_n and_o walsyngham_n fen_n the_o which_o fen_n amount_v to_o the_o number_n of_o 2000_o acre_n by_o estimation_n or_o more_o be_v yearly_o drown_v by_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o say_v bank_n and_o that_o the_o say_a bank_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o height_n from_o the_o plain_a ground_n one_o foot_n and_o a_o half_a and_o in_o breadth_n in_o the_o foundation_n 8_o foot_n and_o in_o the_o top_n four_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o that_o the_o charge_n of_o make_v and_o keep_v the_o same_o aught_o to_o be_v bear_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o upwell_n aforesaid_a and_o that_o there_o be_v another_o old_a sewer_n call_v small-lode_n between_o upwell_n and_o outwell_n aforesaid_a which_o begin_v at_o the_o great_a river_n in_o upwell_n call_v northbranch_n at_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v welhirn_n yard_n and_o extend_v to_o ingram_n hirne_v and_o from_o thence_o to_o seman_n goole_n in_o the_o same_o town_n which_o sewer_n ought_v to_o be_v scour_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n for_o certain_a land_n in_o upwell_n aforesaid_a sometime_o belong_v to_o the_o monastery_n of_o west_n derham_n by_o the_o space_n of_o three_o quarter_n of_o a_o mile_n and_o then_o the_o say_v edm._n beaupre_n for_o his_o manor_n of_o upwellâ—_n â—_z and_o will._n norman_n for_o land_n sometime_o john_n aylesham_n aught_o joint_o to_o keep_v and_o scour_v the_o say_v small_a load_n from_o ingram_n hirne_v unto_o seman_n goal_n by_o the_o space_n of_o a_o mile_n and_o further_o they_o say_v that_o where_o there_o be_v 4_o several_a field_n in_o the_o parâ—shes_n of_o upwell_n and_o outwell_n viz._n plawfield_n churchfield_n budbeche_v field_n and_o sondy_n field_n the_o which_o field_n be_v defend_v by_o great_a bank_n keep_v by_o the_o landholders_n of_o the_o say_a field_n to_o their_o great_a cost_n they_o say_v that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o abundance_n of_o water_n fall_v within_o the_o say_a field_n it_o can_v be_v convey_v out_o of_o they_o unto_o the_o sea_n by_o any_o of_o the_o sewer_n beforementioned_a for_o the_o avoidance_n therefore_o of_o the_o same_o fresh_a water_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v make_v at_o the_o cost_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o same_o field_n two_o sewer_n the_o one_o to_o begin_v at_o a_o certain_a place_n in_o the_o same_o field_n call_v wadingstowe_n and_o from_o thence_o direct_o in_o a_o dyke_n by_o a_o certain_a bank_n call_v plawfield_n dike_a and_o so_o by_o a_o certain_a dike_v call_v baâ—dike_n and_o then_o in_o a_o dyke_n between_o the_o common_a drove_n of_o the_o one_o part_n and_o the_o land_n of_o robert_n dannet_n gent._n on_o the_o other_o and_o so_o forth_o in_o a_o dike_a between_o a_o ground_n call_v the_o thirty_o acre_n of_o the_o one_o part_n and_o the_o land_n of_o the_o say_v robert_n dannet_n and_o anth._n cotton_n on_o the_o other_o part_n and_o so_o direct_o into_o a_o pipe_n or_o sluice_n of_o stone_n under_o the_o little_a river_n call_v the_o small_a load_n in_o upwell_n aforesaid_a and_o the_o other_o sewer_n to_o begin_v at_o hilling_n drive_v in_o plawfield_n aforesaid_a and_o to_o pass_v in_o two_o dikes_n in_o both_o side_n of_o the_o same_o drive_v and_o so_o into_o the_o common_a river_n call_v hermite'_v i_o and_o from_o thence_o into_o a_o dike_n between_o the_o land_n of_o will._n walsyngham_n gent._n on_o both_o part_n under_o the_o common_a drive_v call_v sprouter_n drove_n and_o so_o in_o a_o dike_a between_o the_o say_a drive_v on_o the_o one_o part_n and_o the_o land_n of_o william_n norman_n on_o the_o other_o and_o from_o thence_o into_o the_o say_a dike_n or_o drayn_n at_o bardrove_n and_o so_o into_o the_o say_a sluice_n under_o the_o say_a river_n call_v the_o small_a load_n and_o from_o the_o say_a pipe_n or_o sluice_n unto_o the_o dike_n belong_v to_o the_o king_n in_o right_a of_o the_o late_a dissolve_a monastery_n of_o west_n dereham_n into_o the_o say_a field_n call_v kirkfield_n and_o so_o in_o a_o dike_n in_o the_o the_o same_o field_n between_o the_o king_n land_n on_o the_o one_o part_n and_o the_o land_n of_o richard_n fyncham_n gent._n on_o the_o other_o unto_o a_o certain_a ground_n of_o the_o say_v richard_n call_v goddard_n and_o there_o to_o be_v make_v a_o dam_n between_o the_o land_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o land_n of_o the_o say_v r._n fyncham_n and_o from_o thence_o the_o same_o drayn_n to_o extend_v in_o a_o dike_n overthware_fw-mi the_o land_n of_o the_o say_v richard_n into_o a_o dike_n of_o the_o same_o richard_n on_o the_o one_o part_n and_o the_o land_n of_o the_o heir_n of_o peter_n bateman_n on_o the_o other_a part_n and_o there_o to_o be_v make_v a_o dam_n between_o the_o say_a land_n and_o from_o thence_o overthwart_o in_o a_o dike_n by_o the_o midst_n of_o certain_a ground_n of_o the_o king_n be_v call_v anbell_n land_n into_o a_o common_a drive_v call_v dove_n drove_n of_o the_o one_o part_n and_o the_o say_v anbell_n land_n on_o the_o other_o part_n and_o there_o to_o be_v make_v a_o new_a dam_n between_o the_o say_a land_n and_o the_o say_a drive_v and_o from_o thence_o to_o extend_v in_o a_o dyke_n between_o the_o say_v dove_n drove_n and_o the_o land_n of_o the_o king_n call_v derebought_a land_n and_o the_o land_n late_a walter_n godard_n and_o one_o piece_n of_o land_n call_v howardyn_n of_o the_o other_o part_n direct_o into_o kirkfield_n ditch_n and_o then_o overthwart_o in_o one_o pipe_n or_o goat_n of_o stone_n under_o dove_n drove_n aforesaid_a and_o so_o from_o thence_o in_o a_o dike_n by_o a_o certain_a pasture_n ground_n of_o ric._n foulesham_n call_v the_o xx_o acre_n on_o the_o other_a part_n and_o kirkfield_n dike_v on_o the_o other_o and_o so_o in_o the_o say_v dike_n into_o the_o land_n of_o anthony_n crofte_v and_o there_o to_o be_v make_v a_o dam_n between_o the_o say_a land_n on_o the_o one_o part_n and_o the_o say_a land_n call_v the_o xx_o acre_n on_o the_o other_a part_n and_o from_o thence_o in_o a_o dyke_n of_o the_o say_v crofte_v direct_o by_o the_o say_v kirkfield_n dyke_n unto_o the_o common_a drive_v call_v each_o drove_n and_o there_o to_o be_v make_v a_o dam_n between_o the_o same_o drive_v and_o the_o land_n of_o the_o say_a crofte_n and_o there_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o goat_n or_o pipe_n of_o stone_n under_o the_o say_a drive_v and_o then_o in_o a_o dike_n between_o the_o land_n of_o the_o say_v crofte_v on_o the_o one_o part_n and_o kirkfield_n dike_n on_o the_o other_o part_n and_o there_o to_o be_v make_v a_o dam_n on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o say_a drive_v between_o the_o same_o drive_v and_o the_o say_a land_n of_o crofte_v and_o so_o from_o thence_o in_o the_o say_v dike_n of_o crofte_v unto_o the_o meadow_n of_o william_n norman_n sometime_o john_n curtis_n and_o there_o to_o be_v make_v a_o dam_n between_o the_o land_n of_o the_o say_v crofte_v and_o the_o say_v will._n norman_n and_o from_o thence_o in_o a_o dike_n between_o the_o say_a pasture_n of_o the_o say_v will._n on_o the_o one_o part_n and_o the_o say_v kirkfield_n dike_n on_o the_o other_o part_n unto_o kirfield_n dike_n corner_n â—_z and_o there_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o great_a pipe_n of_o stone_n and_o timber_n under_o the_o say_v great_a river_n extend_v from_o
pig_n drive_v and_o clow_n cross_a to_o be_v make_v xi_o foot_n in_o height_n and_o twelve_o in_o breadth_n by_o all_o the_o landholders_n of_o the_o north_n side_n of_o wysbeche_n and_o leverington_n take_v menure_n for_o the_o same_o at_o liberty_n and_o pay_v for_o every_o road_n of_o menure_n in_o length_n and_o breadth_n xuj_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n 8_o foot_n xvid._o to_o the_o owner_n of_o the_o land_n 4._o that_o shofendyke_n otherwise_o call_v harhold_n beginning_n at_o clow_n cross_v and_o extend_v to_o goredyke_n in_o newton_n be_v make_v in_o height_n 8_o foot_n by_o all_o the_o landholders_n in_o leverington_n and_o from_o gore_n dike_v to_o tide_n thr_v in_o height_n and_o breadth_n as_o aforesaid_a by_o all_o the_o landholders_n in_o newton_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o eegrayne_n in_o tide_n s._n giles_n in_o like_a sort_n by_o the_o landholders_n in_o tide_n s._n giles_n 5._o that_o the_o coney_n be_v destroy_v which_o do_v hurt_v to_o the_o sea-bank_n begin_v at_o tide_n goat_n and_o extend_v to_o wysbeche_v sluice_n 6_o that_o a_o crest_n be_v make_v from_o fytton_n bridge_n against_o the_o goal_n in_o leverington_n by_o the_o landholders_n on_o the_o north_n of_o wisbeche_n to_o keep_v the_o water_n within_o the_o bay_n 6_o that_o the_o landholders_n in_o july_n field_n make_v a_o crest_n in_o orech_n alias_o mouth_n drive_v from_o the_o great_a river_n unto_o black_a dyke_n in_o height_n six_o foot_n and_o breadth_n 8._o 7._o and_o that_o the_o dean_n of_o ely_n and_o lord_n berkley_n make_v a_o crest_n in_o tholomer_n drove_n begin_v at_o the_o fendyke_n and_o reach_v to_o tholomer_n in_o height_n and_o breadth_n aforesaid_a 8._o that_o the_o landholders_n in_o guyhirnfield_n do_v make_v a_o crest_n from_o blakdike_a to_o marytt_n brigge_v of_o the_o like_a breadth_n and_o height_n and_o from_o maryt_n brigge_v to_o george_n ramsey_n house_n corner_n on_o the_o east_n part_n of_o the_o sewer_n to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o landholders_n of_o guyhirne_n field_n from_o marytt_n bridge_n to_o tholomer_n of_o the_o west_n side_n by_o william_n butcher_n for_o his_o land_n in_o calf_n field_n so_o far_o as_o his_o land_n do_v extend_v and_o the_o residue_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o tholomer_n drove_n from_o guyhirn_n cross_n to_o blakdyke_n end_n by_o the_o landholders_n in_o guyhirn_n field_n from_o blakdike_n end_n to_o mouth_n drive_v by_o the_o landholders_n of_o juley_n field_n and_o from_o mouth_n drive_v to_o sondy_n dike_v alias_o sorrâ—ll_n dike_v by_o the_o landholders_n in_o rummers_n field_n all_o of_o the_o like_a breadth_n and_o height_n 9_o that_o the_o landholders_n of_o munthforth_n field_n make_v a_o crest_n from_o george_n ramsey_n corner_n to_o dod_n brigge_v thence_o to_o riche_n stow_v to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o landholders_n of_o guyhirnfield_n william_n butcher_n for_o calf_n field_n and_o munforth_n field_n from_o riches_n stow_v to_o belymyll_n brigg_n on_o the_o west_n side_n of_o the_o sewer_n the_o landholders_n of_o richey_n field_n in_o height_n 4_o foot_n and_o breadth_n 8._o 10_o that_o tho._n gardner_n the_o heir_n of_o henry_n repps_n esquire_n the_o heir_n of_o laurence_n cade_n and_o agnes_n talbot_n with_o their_o coparcener_n do_v make_v a_o crest_n in_o ratrow_n from_o tholomer_n drive_v unto_o ratrow_n brigg_n in_o height_n 4_o foot_n and_o breadth_n 8._o 11_o that_o the_o lodebrinke_n in_o murrow_n from_o prior_n brigg_n to_o mill_n lane_n end_n be_v make_v by_o the_o tenant_n of_o the_o dean_n of_o ely_n thence_o to_o household_n brigg_n by_o the_o say_a mr._n repps_n and_o tho._n gardner_n and_o their_o coparcener_n thence_o to_o belly_n mill_n brigg_n by_o the_o landholders_n in_o richey_n field_n in_o height_n six_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n 8._o 12_o that_o the_o landholders_n in_o willake_n and_o munforth_n field_n make_v a_o crest_n in_o gall_n drive_v from_o dod_n brigg_n unto_o black_a dyke_n in_o height_n 4._o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n eight_o 13._o that_o the_o heir_n of_o talbot_n do_v make_v a_o crest_n in_o mampasse_n from_o dodsbrigg_n on_o the_o south_n side_n the_o common_a sewer_n unto_o the_o east_n end_n of_o his_o pasture_n of_o the_o like_a height_n and_o breadth_n 14_o that_o mil_n lane_n from_o tholomers_n drove_n and_o reach_v to_o mill_n lane_n end_n to_o the_o pipe_n in_o the_o drive_v be_v make_v in_o height_n four_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n eight_o foot_n by_o the_o dean_n of_o ely_n and_o lord_n berkley_n 15_o that_o the_o land_n between_o sorrel_n dyke_n and_o bellymill_n dike_v from_o belly_n mill_n unto_o newdike_n otherwise_o call_v sandy_a dike_a do_v make_v sorrell_n dyke_n and_o bely_v mill_n dike_v in_o height_n 6_o foot_n and_o breadth_n 8_o foot_n 16_o that_o the_o landholders_n in_o sayrfield_n make_v a_o crest_n in_o wally_n gate_n from_o bellymill_n brigg_n unto_o cheyneybrigg_n otherwise_o call_v robbins_n brigg_n in_o height_n six_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n 8_o foot_n 17._o that_o the_o crest_n beginning_n at_o sorrel_n dyke_n and_o extend_v to_o the_o church_n stile_n at_o s._n maryes_fw-mi ought_v to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o land_n lie_v between_o newdrove_n and_o the_o say_a crest_n in_o height_n 6._o foot_n and_o breadth_n 8._o 18._o that_o the_o landholders_n in_o nymans_n dole_n make_v a_o crest_n in_o a_o drove_n call_v kilne_n house_n dike_a from_o pig_n drive_v to_o cheyney_n brigg_n in_o height_n 6._o foot_n and_o breadth_n 8._o 19_o the_o bevys_n dike_v from_o pig_n be_v drive_v to_o bevys_n cross_v be_v make_v by_o the_o landholders_n of_o inhamfield_n and_o newfield_n in_o height_n and_o breadth_n as_o aforesaid_a 20._o that_o newdrove_v be_v make_v by_o the_o landholders_n of_o newfield_n from_o sorrel_n dike_v unto_o bevys_n dike_v 4._o foot_n high_a and_o 8._o foot_n broad_a 21._o that_o the_o landholders_n in_o hirnfield_n make_v a_o crest_n in_o fleming_n drove_n from_o bevys_n drive_v to_o bowman_n drove_n in_o like_a sort_n 22._o that_o the_o landholders_n in_o longland_n make_v a_o crest_n in_o bowman_n drove_n from_o bowman_n cross_n to_o fleming_n drove_n end_v in_o height_n 6._o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n 8._o 23._o that_o the_o landholders_n in_o briggefield_n on_o the_o north_n of_o the_o river_n make_v a_o crest_n in_o newfield_n drive_v unto_o long_o drive_v end_n in_o like_a sort_n 24._o that_o the_o landholders_n of_o fen-land_n make_v a_o crest_n in_o mill_n lane_n from_o the_o great_a river_n unto_o barton_n lane_n in_o like_a height_n 25._o that_o the_o landholders_n in_o harvey_n field_n make_v a_o crest_n in_o foul_a lane_n from_o the_o great_a river_n unto_o mill_n lane_n in_o like_a height_n and_o breadth_n 26._o that_o the_o landholders_n in_o whitemathes_n from_o barton_n cross_a alias_o barton_n lane_n unto_o wisbeche_n load_n run_v to_o callow_n bridge_n aught_o to_o make_v a_o drive_v call_v giggs_n drive_v in_o height_n 4._o foot_n and_o breadth_n 8._o 27._o that_o the_o landholders_n of_o nyman_n dole_n make_v a_o crest_n from_o barton_n cross_n unto_o barret_n brigge_n in_o height_n and_o breadth_n as_o aforesaid_a 28._o that_o the_o landholders_n in_o flatmore_n make_v a_o crest_n in_o netledyke_n lake_n from_o leonard_n pipe_n unto_o barton_n lane_n of_o the_o like_a height_n and_o breadth_n 21._o that_o the_o landholders_n of_o gybesholme_n and_o all_o the_o land_n between_o barton_n lane_n and_o pyck_n make_v a_o crest_n in_o barton_n lane_n from_o the_o great_a river_n unto_o gydges_n dike_v in_o height_n 4_o foot_n and_o breadth_n xij_o 22_o that_o the_o landholders_n in_o sondylond_n make_v a_o crest_n in_o pickard_n lane_n and_o mill_n lane_n from_o mill_n lane_n end_n unto_o the_o dike_n between_o leverington_n and_o wisbeche_n in_o height_n six_o foot_n and_o breadth_n xvij_o 23._o that_o seven_o acre_n call_v gallow_v land_n make_v a_o crest_n from_o hospital_n across_o vuto_n whynney_n dike_a in_o height_n 6_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n twelve_o 24._o that_o the_o lowfieâ—ds_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o the_o river_n of_o wisbeche_n from_o the_o fendike_n to_o bellymil_n dike_v shall_v scour_v the_o lode_n from_o belly_n mill_n to_o the_o nine_o hundred_o briggs_n as_o need_n require_v and_o thence_o to_o evildike_n brigg_n the_o nine_o hundred_o to_o be_v contributer_n and_o from_o evysdike_n to_o the_o 4_o goat_n all_o the_o land_n on_o the_o north_n side_n the_o river_n every_o man_n according_a to_o what_o he_o hold_v 25_o that_o a_o close_o shut_v be_v make_v at_o leonard_n pipe_n by_o the_o landholders_n of_o the_o next_o field_n another_o at_o evysdike_n brigge_n by_o the_o landholders_n of_o the_o nine_o hundred_o to_o keep_v the_o water_n from_o run_v into_o the_o low_a field_n 26_o that_o all_o wear_v and_o stamp_v from_o guyhirne_n to_o clows-crosse_a or_o elsewhere_o within_o any_o part_n of_o the_o fenn_n be_v twenty-four_o foot_n in_o
the_o be_v and_o the_o door_n and_o wide_a if_o need_v be_v so_o that_o no_o water_n be_v stop_v or_o straighten_v 27_o and_o from_o clow_n cross_a unto_o the_o northwest_o corner_n of_o troknold_n in_o the_o river_n call_v old_a i_o alias_o south_n i_fw-mi the_o one_o half_a of_o the_o say_a river_n to_o be_v cleanse_v by_o the_o landholders_n of_o troknold_n and_o the_o other_o by_o those_o of_o tide_n s._n mary_n and_o sutton_n and_o from_o troknold_n field_n unto_o marysh_v cote_n the_o one_o half_a to_o be_v cleanse_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n and_o his_o tenant_n and_o the_o other_o by_o the_o landholders_n of_o sutton_n and_o gedney_n it_o be_v the_o division_n betwixt_o cambridgshire_n and_o lincolnshire_n lincolâ—shire_n 28._o that_o guyhirne_n goal_n be_v stop_v 29_o that_o the_o sewer_n call_v the_o new_a leame_z from_o knar_a lake_n to_o stanground_n be_v so_o grow_v up_o that_o no_o water_n can_v pass_v in_o dry_a year_n to_o the_o utter_a decay_n of_o wisbeche_n river_n be_v dike_v 30_o foot_n wide_a and_o 6_o foot_n deep_a 30._o that_o the_o landholders_n of_o wisbeche_n do_v make_v a_o shut_v at_o fytton_n brdg_n within_o the_o town_n of_o newton_n to_o stop_v the_o water_n when_o need_n shall_v be_v 31._o that_o all_o the_o land_n in_o wisbeche_n on_o the_o north_n side_n the_o river_n aught_o to_o cleanse_v the_o high_a load_n of_o wisbeche_n from_o the_o 4_o goat_n to_o eydikes_n brigge_v in_o leverington_n in_o breadth_n twelve_o foot_n and_o depth_n four_o and_o repair_v seven_o bridge_n in_o the_o town_n of_o newton_n 32._o that_o the_o great_a river_n of_o wisbeche_n be_v great_o decay_v ☞_o raise_v and_o filt_v up_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o flow_a and_o ebb_v of_o the_o salt_n water_n for_o preservation_n therefore_o of_o the_o whole_a hundred_o that_o a_o sluse_n be_v make_v in_o the_o say_a river_n at_o the_o horseshoe_n in_o leverington_n at_o the_o charge_n of_o all_o the_o hundred_o of_o wisbeche_n or_o any_o other_o place_n that_o shall_v take_v profit_n by_o it_o and_o to_o be_v make_v in_o breadth_n lx_o foot_n and_o depth_n x_o foot_n from_o guyhirne_n to_o the_o sea_n 33._o also_o that_o there_o be_v two_o new_a river_n cast_v of_o each_o side_n of_o the_o say_v great_a river_n of_o wisbeche_n the_o one_o to_o begin_v at_o guy_n hirne_n cross_n and_o to_o extend_v to_o kentoun_n corner_n the_o other_o at_o tower_n house_n and_o to_o extend_v unto_o kekys_n mill_n which_o river_n to_o be_v xv_o foot_n wide_a apeice_n and_o six_o foot_n deep_a and_o this_o to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o whole_a hundred_o of_o wisbeche_n 34._o and_o that_o for_o the_o better_a preservation_n of_o the_o high_a fen_n dike_a and_o the_o country_n the_o township_n of_o newton_n and_o tide_n s._n giles_n shall_v as_o oft_o as_o by_o any_o outrageous_a tempest_n and_o water_n it_o shall_v be_v in_o danger_n rise_z and_o come_v to_o give_v their_o attendance_n with_o the_o township_n of_o wisbeche_n and_o leverington_n to_o watch_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o same_o 35_o that_o a_o dam_n be_v make_v in_o the_o lode_n at_o hobbs_n house_n to_o the_o end_n that_o by_o the_o stop_n thereof_o in_o dry_a year_n the_o waâ—er_n may_v the_o better_o descend_v into_o the_o great_a river_n leverington_n 36._o that_o a_o crest_n be_v make_v from_o fytton_n bridge_n against_o the_o goal_n in_o leverington_n by_o the_o landholders_n on_o the_o north_n of_o uuysbeche_n that_o the_o water_n may_v run_v within_o the_o bay_n 37._o and_o that_o the_o heir_n of_o richard_n everard_n esquire_n shall_v maintain_v a_o dam_n in_o the_o xl_o acre_n lie_v between_o the_o land_n late_a geffrey_n norman_n and_o the_o heir_n of_o the_o say_a mr._n everard_n to_o keep_v out_o the_o gool_n water_n from_o drown_v of_o parkfield_n and_o uuratfield_n 38._o that_o the_o landholders_n of_o harpfield_n and_o sherefield_n in_o leverington_n make_v a_o crest_n in_o a_o place_n call_v two_o lane_n beginning_n at_o shofendyke_n and_o lead_v to_o blacklane_n in_o height_n 6_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n 8._o 39_o that_o the_o landholders_n in_o southingham_n in_o leverington_n make_v a_o dike_a call_v overdyke_n begin_v at_o bellmylne_n briggs_n and_o lead_v to_o parson_n drive_v end_n and_o thence_o to_o meysbrigge_n by_o the_o landholders_n of_o northinham_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o blacklanffield_n otherwise_o call_v lady_n outgote_v by_o the_o landholders_n of_o fenhalfield_n and_o thence_o unto_o bond_n be_v gote_v by_o the_o landholders_n of_o blacklanefield_n in_o height_n 6_o foot_n and_o breadth_n twelve_o 40._o that_o the_o landholders_n of_o rymersfild_n in_o leverington_n make_v a_o crest_n in_o pokle_n begin_v at_o south-gate_n and_o so_o lead_v unto_o bird_n drive_v in_o height_n six_o foot_n and_o breadth_n eight_o foot_n 41._o that_o the_o landholders_n of_o newfield_n in_o leverington_n make_v and_o repair_v a_o crest_n in_o alinne_n drive_v begin_v at_o bird_n drove_n and_o so_o lead_v to_o newfield_n pipe_n in_o height_n six_o footâ—_n and_o breadth_n 8._o 42._o that_o the_o landholders_n of_o pokefield_n make_v a_o crest_n in_o mill_n lane_n begin_v at_o south_n gate_n and_o so_o lead_v to_o the_o pipe_n at_o bird_n drive_v in_o height_n six_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n 8_o foot_n 43._o that_o the_o landholders_n of_o richmund_n field_n make_v a_o crest_n in_o cattle_n dike_a begin_v at_o newer_n dike_a and_o so_o lead_v unto_o richmund_n pipe_n in_o height_n six_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n xij_o foot_n 44._o that_o the_o landholders_n in_o richmund_n field_n and_o newfield_n make_v a_o crest_n in_o turnmeredike_n begin_v at_o bond_n be_v gote_v and_o so_o lead_v to_o richmund_n pipe_n in_o height_n 6_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n twelve_o foot_n 45._o that_o the_o landholders_n of_o longmeadow_n and_o catfield_n make_v a_o crest_n in_o oldfendike_n lane_n begin_v at_o leonard_n pipe_n and_o so_o lead_v on_o to_o cakerow_n hill_n gate_n in_o height_n 4_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n 8._o 46._o that_o a_o gool_n in_o northinham_n and_o a_o gool_n in_o southinham_n shall_v be_v agi_v and_o make_v and_o the_o agistment_n thereof_o maintain_v by_o all_o the_o landholders_n in_o leverington_n the_o menure_n to_o be_v take_v off_o the_o land_n annex_v pay_v to_o the_o owner_n iiijd._o for_o every_o rod._n 47._o that_o the_o landholders_n from_o the_o high_a fendike_n to_o newlane_n in_o northinham_n shall_v make_v newlane_n in_o breadth_n twelve_o foot_n in_o the_o bottom_n and_o in_o height_n four_o 48._o no_o stop_n to_o be_v make_v in_o those_o sewer_n of_o southinham_n and_o northinham_n but_o that_o the_o narrow_a place_n be_v six_o foot_n wide_a that_o boat_n may_v pass_v 49._o that_o the_o landholders_n on_o the_o north_n of_o wisâ—eche_n river_n who_o drain_v through_o leonard_n pipe_n make_v sufficient_a a_o crest_n begin_v at_o leonard_n pipe_n and_o so_o lead_v by_o popelane_n to_o ives_n dike_v bridge_n in_o height_n four_o foot_n above_o the_o water_n and_o in_o breadth_n 6_o foot_n and_o every_o one_o to_o keep_v their_o hedding_n and_o their_o clove_n on_o the_o west_n side_n of_o popelane_n according_a as_o heretofore_o 50._o that_o the_o landholders_n of_o out_o newland_n in_o leverington_n make_v a_o sufficient_a dam_n in_o breadth_n 8_o foot_n and_o height_n 6._o at_o their_o land_n end_n at_o the_o north_n east_n side_n at_o the_o windmill_n in_o leverington_n to_o keep_v out_o the_o water_n from_o run_v in_o wisbeche_n load_n 51._o that_o the_o landholders_n of_o southinham_n and_o canonfield_n make_v a_o crest_n from_o dike_n corner_n unto_o over_o dike_a in_o height_n six_o foot_n and_o breadth_n eight_o 52._o that_o all_o the_o land_n in_o leverington_n ought_v to_o scour_v the_o high_a lode_n from_o the_o fendike_n unto_o the_o 4_o goat_n in_o breadth_n 12_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n 4._o and_o all_o stamp_n and_o wear_v therein_o to_o be_v pull_v up_o nevertheless_o the_o inhabitant_n to_o have_v a_o common_a set_v in_o the_o say_v lode_n at_o a_o place_n call_v richmond_n green_a from_o side_n to_o side_n according_a to_o ancient_a old_a custom_n newton_n 53._o that_o a_o sewer_n be_v make_v in_o longfield_n in_o newton_n in_o breadth_n 8_o foot_n and_o depth_n 4_o between_o the_o land_n of_o jeffrey_n colvile_n esquire_n and_o simon_n trove_v and_o the_o land_n of_o the_o say_a mr._n colvile_n and_o thomas_n reynold_n from_o mill_n lane_n unto_o meadow_n lane_n 54._o that_o another_o sewer_n be_v make_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o longfield_n aforesaid_a from_o the_o land_n of_o jeffrey_n colvile_n esquire_n abut_a upon_o the_o land_n of_o robert_n roydan_n unto_o the_o aforesaid_a sewer_n to_o be_v in_o breadth_n 8_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n four_o 55._o that_o all_o fish_n take_v at_o the_o 4_o goat_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o
make_v high_a by_o three_o foot_n 120._o and_o that_o guyhirne_n goal_n be_v bank_v with_o a_o bank_n of_o xuj_o foot_n and_o in_o height_n x_o foot_n by_o all_o the_o land_n lie_v in_o wisbeche_n between_o sorcel_n dike_a and_o the_o high_a fendike_n on_o the_o 12_o of_o july_n eliz._n in_o the_o same_o 13_o year_n of_o queen_n eliz._n reign_n it_o be_v thus_o order_v arm._n by_o robert_n bell_n jeffrey_n coleville_n william_n hunston_n robert_n balam_n william_n brian_n richard_n nicholas_n thomas_n hewar_n and_o henry_n hunston_n esquire_n justice_n of_o sewer_n for_o the_o country_n of_o marshland_n in_o the_o county_n of_o norffolf_n and_o for_o the_o border_n and_o confine_n of_o the_o same_o viz._n forasmuch_o as_o bishop_n dyke_n within_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n be_v great_o decay_v by_o the_o abundance_n of_o fresh_a water_n which_o happen_v this_o last_o winter_n the_o like_a whereof_o be_v never_o see_v within_o the_o remembrance_n of_o man_n to_o the_o great_a decay_a and_o impair_n of_o break_a dyke_n be_v one_o of_o the_o defencâ—-dikes_a for_o salvation_n of_o the_o whole_a country_n of_o marshlande_n to_o the_o great_a peril_n of_o the_o drown_v the_o say_a country_n of_o marshland_n and_o to_o the_o utter_a undo_n of_o all_o the_o landholders_n of_o the_o east_n side_n of_o elm_n between_o the_o say_v bishop_n dike_a and_o break_v dike_a if_o the_o say_v bishop_n dike_n be_v not_o sufficient_o repair_v and_o amend_v in_o time_n the_o experience_n whereof_o be_v too_o manifest_a this_o last_o winter_n to_o the_o great_a loss_n of_o a_o number_n of_o the_o queen_n majesty_n subject_n the_o misery_n whereof_o be_v unspeakable_a it_o be_v therefore_o condescend_v and_o agree_v by_o the_o say_a justice_n that_o the_o landholders_n of_o elm_n within_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n aforesaid_a between_o nedeham_n dyke_n and_o broken-dyke_n aswell_o for_o that_o the_o countty_a of_o marshland_n may_v the_o better_a repair_n and_o maintain_v the_o say_v break_v dike_a this_o last_o winter_n decay_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o overflow_a of_o the_o say_v bishop_n dike_n as_o also_o to_o be_v without_o charge_n of_o make_v and_o defend_v of_o the_o say_v break_v dike_a the_o say_v break_v dyke_n be_v maintain_v which_o can_v be_v if_o the_o land_n there_o remain_v surround_v still_o and_o so_o thereby_o no_o profit_n to_o be_v reap_v by_o the_o owner_n of_o the_o same_o land_n shall_v have_v licence_n to_o issue_v out_o the_o water_n of_o oldfield_n between_o needham_n dike_v and_o break_a dyke_n at_o the_o goat_n or_o pipe_n already_o lay_v on_o break_a dike_n not_o far_o distant_a from_o blewick_n house_n and_o to_o issue_v into_o marshland_n by_o the_o direction_n of_o mr._n balam_n mr._n hewar_n and_o mr._n henry_n hunston_n through_o emneth_n and_o walsoken_n in_o the_o high_a part_n of_o marshland_n provide_v that_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v by_o any_o two_o of_o the_o justice_n aforesaid_a or_o by_o any_o four_o of_o the_o chief_a landholders_n of_o the_o country_n of_o marshland_n then_o resiant_a within_o the_o say_a country_n that_o the_o same_o water_n run_v underneath_o break_a dike_n be_v hurtful_a to_o the_o country_n of_o marshland_n or_o to_o any_o part_n thereof_o or_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v perceive_v by_o any_o two_o of_o the_o say_a justice_n or_o by_o any_o four_o of_o the_o chief_a landholders_n of_o the_o country_n of_o mershland_n aforesaid_a that_o the_o charge_v bearer_n of_o bishop_n dike_n be_v negligent_a in_o the_o well_o defend_v the_o say_v bishop_n dyke_n or_o that_o the_o landholders_n of_o oldfield_n do_v not_o sufficient_o from_o time_n to_o time_n maintain_v and_o keep_v needham_n dike_a or_o lay_v any_o goat_n or_o pipe_n in_o any_o place_n of_o the_o say_v needham_n dike_a to_o issue_v any_o water_n from_o any_o part_n of_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o say_v needham_n dike_a or_o that_o any_o water_n be_v receive_v into_o oldfield_n by_o any_o way_n or_o device_n to_o the_o intent_n to_o utter_v the_o same_o at_o the_o goat_n in_o broken-dyke_n other_o than_o the_o downfall_n of_o the_o air_n fall_v into_o the_o aforesaid_a oldfield_n that_o then_o and_o at_o all_o time_n afterward_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o any_o of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o country_n of_o marshland_n so_o to_o cease_v the_o run_n of_o the_o water_n through_o the_o same_o any_o thing_n mention_v in_o this_o order_n or_o law_n to_o the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o or_o if_o the_o owner_n of_o the_o land_n which_o do_v lie_v between_o needham_n dike_v and_o break_v dike_a or_o any_o of_o they_o do_v refuse_v to_o bear_v and_o pay_v all_o and_o every_o such_o charge_n to_o knight_n goole_n or_o to_o any_o sewer_n lead_v thereunto_o as_o the_o other_o land_n in_o marshland_n do_v according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o acre_n and_o the_o same_o to_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o dikereeve_v in_o emneth_n or_o if_o the_o owner_n and_o landholders_n of_o oldfield_n do_v not_o from_o time_n to_o time_n well_o and_o sufficient_o repair_v and_o maintain_v aswell_o the_o say_a goat_n or_o pipe_n lie_v underneath_o or_o through_o break_a dike_n as_o also_o as_o much_o of_o the_o bank_n or_o dike_n call_v break_v dike_a alias_o oldfield_n dike_v as_o the_o same_o goat_n or_o pipe_n be_v in_o length_n or_o breadth_n or_o if_o the_o same_o goat_n have_v not_o two_o strong_a door_n viz._n at_o each_o end_n one_o always_o in_o readiness_n to_o be_v shut_v or_o stop_v when_o occasion_n shall_v serve_v at_o or_o before_o the_o day_n of_o s._n michael_n the_o arch_a angel_n next_o ensue_v the_o date_n hereof_o and_o from_o time_n to_o time_n thenceforth_o to_o continue_v and_o keep_v the_o same_o in_o good_a reparation_n or_o else_o to_o cease_v as_o be_v aforesaid_a at_o a_o session_n a._n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o wisbeche_n 22_o aprâ—_n xuj_o eliz._n ordered_n that_o the_o causey_n call_v norwol_a dam_n shall_v be_v raise_v with_o gravel_n three_o foot_n high_o than_o it_o be_v at_o the_o cost_n of_o the_o hundred_o of_o wisbeche_n save_v a_o way_n to_o be_v leave_v of_o twelve_o foot_n in_o breadth_n eliz._n with_o a_o bridge_n over_o the_o same_o as_o heretofore_o have_v be_v accustom_v which_o bridge_n to_o be_v make_v at_o the_o cost_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n also_o that_o longe_n drove_n in_o elm_n shall_v be_v make_v sufficient_a to_o keep_v out_o say_v field_n water_n by_o the_o landholders_n of_o oldfield_n in_o a_o 1576_o xviii_o eliz._n be_v the_o first_o a._n improvement_n of_o needham_n &_o burial_n field_n lie_v within_o the_o precinct_n of_o upwelle_n by_o a_o agreement_n of_o the_o landholders_n there_o on_o the_o xxiiiith_o day_n of_o june_n eliz._n in_o the_o same_o year_n at_o which_o time_n they_o settle_v a_o acreshot_a of_o six_o penny_n the_o acre_n for_o defray_v the_o charge_n thereof_o and_o about_o two_o year_n after_o this_o at_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o erith_n brigge_n viz._n 4_o augusti_fw-la xx_o eliz._n it_o be_v order_v b._n by_o the_o justice_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o bank_n make_v from_o marysse_n dike_v unto_o bishop_n dike_a alias_o lovedays_n dike_v over_o the_o river_n of_o elm_n to_o be_v in_o height_n eight_o foot_n eliz._n in_o breadth_n twelve_o on_o the_o upper_a part_n and_o in_o the_o bottom_n xxxii_o foot_n as_o also_o a_o clouse_n at_o marisdam_n but_o so_o as_o boat_n may_v pass_v through_o the_o same_o and_o likewise_o that_o the_o bank_n beginning_n at_o keâ—ismill_n and_o extend_v to_o guy_n hirne_n and_o so_o by_o coldham_n to_o friday_n bridge_n in_o elm_n shall_v be_v repair_v so_o that_o the_o height_n thereof_o may_v be_v six_o foot_n the_o breadth_n in_o the_o bottom_n xxiiii_o foot_n and_o at_o the_o top_n 8_o foot_n at_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o wisebeche_n upon_o the_o 12_o of_o july_n in_o xxiii_o eliz._n it_o be_v thus_o order_v b._n that_o whereas_o the_o common_a call_v ladwer_n lie_v in_o elm_n be_v drown_v for_o want_n of_o a_o crest_n that_o there_o be_v a_o crest_n or_o bank_n make_v eliz._n begin_v at_o tylneyhirne_n and_o so_o lead_v to_o the_o new_a leame_z thence_o by_o the_o river_n of_o nene_n to_o the_o horse-shoe_n thence_o to_o marmond_n land_n thence_o to_o the_o west_n end_n of_o langbeche_n adjoin_v unto_o bishop_n dike_v which_o bank_n to_o be_v twelve_o foot_n in_o the_o bottom_n in_o breadth_n 4_o foot_n at_o the_o top_n and_o in_o height_n 5_o foot_n and_o that_o the_o sluse_n upon_o marys_n dam_n shall_v be_v take_v up_o and_o when_o the_o say_a bank_n be_v make_v then_o to_o be_v set_v at_o new_a leam_n end_n as_o also_o a_o convenient_a tenement_n build_v meet_v for_o a_o man_n to_o dwell_v in_o for_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o same_o and_o it_o be_v likewise_o
then_o order_v a._n that_o the_o town_n of_o upwell_n and_o outwell_n shall_v from_o thenceforth_o be_v discharge_v from_o any_o dike_n in_o wisbeche_n river_n unless_o by_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o drayn_n their_o land_n do_v take_v benefit_n thereby_o and_o in_o the_o same_o year_n in_o another_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o wis_v beech_n 14_o &_o 15_o sept._n before_o john_n peyton_n geo._n carleton_n humphrey_n michael_n thomas_n hewar_n esquire_n and_o other_o there_o be_v this_o follow_a decree_n b._n whereas_o the_o great_a river_n of_o wisbeche_n be_v by_o this_o our_o law_n order_v to_o be_v dig_v for_o the_o better_a grind_n of_o the_o channel_n low_a to_o the_o sea_n eliz._n we_o find_v that_o elm_n river_n call_v also_o elm_n i_fw-mi aught_o to_o be_v in_o like_a sort_n dig_v but_o whereas_o that_o part_n of_o the_o say_a river_n extend_v from_o the_o floodgate_n in_o elm_n to_o wisbeche_v sluse_n have_v be_v doubt_v in_o former_a session_n for_o sewer_n who_o of_o right_a aught_o to_o dig_v the_o same_o and_o that_o thereupon_o in_o a_o session_n hold_v 18_o martii_fw-la 23_o eliz._n we_o find_v that_o service_n lay_v upon_o the_o whole_a hundred_o of_o wisbeche_n we_o now_o upon_o record_n show_v forth_o before_o we_o bear_v date_n the_o 6_o dec._n ..._o r._n 2._o that_o wisbeche_n from_o stone_n cross_n otherwise_o call_v spittel_v cross_n to_o the_o sluse_n shall_v make_v and_o maintain_v the_o sea-bank_n and_o also_o in_o a_o session_n for_o sewer_n hold_v the_o thursday_n before_o s._n mathew_n day_n 25_o h._n 8._o that_o from_o the_o floodgate_n in_o elm_n to_o hospital_n cross_n the_o township_n of_o elm_n shall_v dig_v and_o scour_v the_o same_o and_o from_o spittel_v cross_a to_o wisbeche_v sluice_n the_o township_n of_o wisbeche_n to_o dig_v the_o same_o we_o ordain_v that_o the_o say_a river_n call_v elm_n i_o shall_v be_v scour_v viz_o from_o wisbeche_n sluice_n to_o spittel_v cross_n be_v the_o division_n between_o elm_n and_o wisbeche_n by_o the_o township_n of_o wisbeche_n and_o from_o spittel_v cross_n unto_o the_o floodgate_n of_o elm_n by_o the_o township_n of_o elm_n and_o from_o the_o say_a floodgate_n unto_o the_o townbrigge_n of_o elm_n by_o the_o bishop_n or_o his_o fermour_n of_o brauncâ—mere_n and_o from_o the_o say_v townbridge_n of_o elm_n to_o frydaybrigge_n by_o the_o queen_n majesty_n for_o her_o land_n late_o belong_v to_o the_o dissolve_a monastery_n of_o crouland_n and_o from_o friday_n brigg_n to_o marys_n dam_n by_o the_o lord_n of_o coldham_n and_o from_o marysdam_n to_o the_o cut_n over_o the_o old_a i_fw-mi by_o the_o say_a lord_n of_o coldham_n thence_o unto_o branchmere_n by_o the_o township_n of_o elm_n in_o consideration_n that_o the_o say_a township_n shall_v hereafter_o be_v discharge_v of_o all_o such_o like_o dig_v in_o and_o upon_o any_o the_o commons_o of_o the_o say_v hundred_o lodward_o except_v &_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n for_o his_o length_n in_o branchmere_n from_o thence_o to_o levermere_n by_o the_o township_n of_o elm_n then_o for_o the_o length_n of_o levermere_n by_o the_o landholders_n thereof_o then_o to_o the_o river_n nene_n by_o the_o township_n of_o elm_n and_o that_o from_o marysdam_n under_o bishop_n dike_a unto_o lakebrigge_n and_o so_o into_o welle_v river_n shall_v be_v dike_v from_o lakebridge_n unto_o swan_n pen_n two_o part_n thereof_o by_o the_o ........._o and_o the_o three_o by_o richard_n fyncham_n gent._n and_o from_o swan_n pen_n to_o langbeche_v by_o the_o township_n of_o upwell_n and_o for_o the_o length_n of_o langbeche_n the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n from_o thence_o to_o gale_n dole_n the_o township_n of_o elm_n upwell_n and_o outwell_n and_o for_o the_o length_n of_o gale-dole_n by_o those_o that_o have_v the_o profit_n thereof_o to_o ave-mary_n dam._n which_o dig_v viz._n from_o wisbeche_n sluice_n to_o spittel_v cross_n to_o be_v 4_o foot_n deep_o than_o now_o it_o be_v and_o to_o hold_v xx_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o the_o rest_n by_o that_o example_n save_v that_o the_o river_n under_o bishop_n dike_a between_o marys_n dam_n and_o well_o streme_a shall_v not_o exceed_v xuj_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o we_o also_o ordain_v that_o there_o be_v make_v a_o new_a crest_n to_o begin_v at_o tilney_n hirne_n lead_v to_o the_o new_a leame_z thence_o to_o the_o horse-shoe_n thence_o to_o marmound_n land_n thence_o to_o the_o west_n end_n of_o langbeche_n adjoin_v upon_o bishop_n dike_a to_o be_v make_v a_o bank_n of_o twelve_o foot_n thick_a in_o the_o bottom_n 3_o foot_n at_o the_o top_n and_o five_o foot_n broad_a at_o the_o charge_n of_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o hundred_o of_o wisbeche_n and_o at_o a_o session_n a._n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o wisbeche_n 26_o may_n 29_o eliz._n it_o be_v present_v by_o the_o juror_n eliz._n that_o norwold_n causey_n be_v in_o decay_n aught_o to_o be_v raise_v 5_o foot_n high_o than_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n and_o in_o breadth_n 8_o foot_n on_o the_o top_n at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o landholders_n of_o the_o whole_a hundred_o of_o wisbeche_n and_o a_o bridge_n of_o twelve_o foot_n in_o breadth_n at_o the_o high_a end_n of_o the_o same_o causey_n at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n likewise_o that_o the_o watercourse_n on_o the_o south_n end_n of_o wisbeche_n shall_v have_v its_o course_n under_o the_o great_a river_n of_o wisbeche_n through_o the_o xic_n bridg_n and_o so_o by_o the_o high_a lode_n unto_o the_o 4_o goat_n and_o that_o the_o water_n in_o fen_n end_n in_o wisbeche_n which_o have_v their_o course_n by_o the_o high_a load_n from_o leonard_n pipe_n unto_o evysdike_n bridge_n by_o a_o cut_n through_o the_o bank_n at_o leonard_n pipe_n shall_v have_v their_o course_n in_o pope_n lane_n load_n unto_o eusydike_n bridge_n and_o so_o to_o the_o four_o goat_n at_o another_o session_n â—_o of_o sewer_n hold_v also_o at_o wisbeche_n 10_o oct._n 31_o eliz._n eâ—iz_n by_o sir_n john_n peyton_n knight_n nich._n hare_n john_n colvile_n john_n reppe_n george_n carleton_n thomas_n hewar_n charles_n balam_n richard_n buckworth_n and_o alex._n balam_n esquire_n commissioner_n of_o sewer_n then_o constitute_v it_o be_v thus_o decree_v that_o whereas_o the_o fen_n call_v needham_n and_o burial_n fen_n lie_v in_o elm_n and_o welle_v have_v ancient_o be_v drayn_v into_o the_o little_a lode_n in_o welle_v call_v the_o sholle_a at_o the_o stone_n cross_n and_o so_o by_o welle_v river_n descend_v into_o ouse_n at_o salter_n load_n but_o then_o have_v no_o descent_n into_o the_o say_a â—ittle_a load_n by_o reason_n that_o the_o height_n of_o the_o water_n therein_o be_v 2_o foot_n above_o the_o level_n of_o the_o same_o fen_n and_o whereas_o the_o landholders_n in_o the_o same_o fen_n have_v to_o their_o great_a charge_n procure_v a_o new_a drayn_n pass_v under_o the_o bank_n call_v greendike_n where_o they_o have_v erect_v a_o sluse_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o from_o thence_o by_o a_o sewer_n upon_o the_o east_n side_n of_o meres_n drive_v by_o another_o sluse_n by_o they_o likewise_o erect_v at_o stow-sted_n to_o stop_v nedham_n water_n for_o run_v into_o budbech_n field_n where_o the_o say_a sewer_n take_v its_o course_n into_o the_o drayn_n of_o the_o same_o budbech_n field_n and_o so_o continue_v therein_o by_o and_o through_o a_o pipe_n lie_v under_o the_o say_v little_a lode_n of_o welle_v and_o thence_o pass_v to_o hodge_n hirne_n corner_n where_o they_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o sir_n robert_n bell_n knight_n late_a lord_n chief_a baron_n of_o the_o exchequer_n cause_v a_o new_a sewer_n to_o be_v make_v through_o a_o several_a ground_n of_o the_o say_a sir_n robert_n call_v the_o fence_n and_o bardolph_n fen_n by_o the_o space_n of_o 2_o mile_n or_o more_o in_o length_n and_o from_o thence_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o nich._n hare_n esquire_n lord_n of_o stow-bardolf_n do_v carry_v the_o one_o half_a of_o the_o say_a sewer_n call_v common_a load_n between_o divers_a severall_n lie_v in_o stow_n bardolf_n aforesaid_a on_o the_o north_n and_o the_o common_a fen_n belong_v unto_o stow_n bardolf_n wimbotesham_n and_o dounham_n on_o the_o south_n and_o so_o through_o another_o sluse_n late_o also_o erect_v by_o the_o beforementioned_a landholders_n into_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n and_o whereas_o the_o say_a sewer_n and_o sluice_n be_v find_v to_o be_v most_o beneficial_a for_o the_o drayn_n of_o the_o fen_n abovementioned_a the_o say_a commissioner_n order_v that_o they_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o and_o be_v maintain_v from_o time_n to_o time_n by_o a_o common_a acreshot_a upon_o all_o the_o land_n in_o nedham_n &_o burial_n aforesaid_a which_o new_a sewer_n for_o nedham_n do_v from_o hodghirne_n beforementioned_a to_o ward_n brigge_n in_o stow_n contain_z lxxii_o rode_n and_o a_o half_a and_o from_o thence_o
and_o maid_n load_n on_o the_o west_n head_n thereof_o and_o last_o that_o the_o dikereeve_v shall_v levy_v iid._o for_o id._o upon_o all_o that_o do_v make_v default_n in_o pay_v of_o their_o proportion_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o mershland_n and_o if_o the_o dikâ—reeves_v shall_v be_v remiss_a than_o the_o commissioner_n to_o levy_v the_o say_v iid._o for_o id._o and_o id._o upon_o the_o say_a dikereeve_v beside_o which_o acreshot_a being_n not_o pay_v by_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n payton_n and_o his_o lady_n and_o edmund_z bell_n esquire_n as_o it_o be_v decree_v by_o the_o before-specified_n commissioner_n there_o be_v a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o sechie_n in_o com._n norff._n upon_o the_o eight_o day_n of_o may_n the_o next_o ensue_a year_n eliz._n by_o francis_n gawdy_a esquire_n one_o of_o the_o queen_n justice_n of_o the_o plea_n before_o herself_o to_o be_v hold_v and_o in_o that_o session_n a_o demise_n 26._o for_o thirty_o nine_o year_n make_v unto_o will._n ingelbert_n and_o other_o of_o divers_a land_n belong_v to_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n dame_n dorothy_n his_o wife_n and_o edm._n bell_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o say_v will._n and_o his_o fellow_n lessee_n shall_v out_o of_o the_o profit_n of_o those_o their_o land_n make_v performance_n of_o what_o have_v be_v so_o decree_v by_o those_o commissioner_n and_o at_o another_o session_n 25._o of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o dounham_n in_o com._n norff._n upon_o the_o xx_o of_o sept._n in_o the_o same_o year_n by_o the_o say_v francis_n gawdye_o edmund_n bell_n clement_n spelman_n edmund_n moundeford_n john_n reppe_n thomas_n hewar_n thomas_n oxburgh_n esquire_n and_o other_o recital_n be_v make_v of_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n for_o drayn_v the_o fen_n and_o marsh_n before-specified_n the_o say_v commissioner_n decree_v that_o will._n engelbert_n john_n watts_n and_o other_o and_o their_o heir_n and_o assign_v be_v undertaker_n for_o the_o say_v drayn_v and_o to_o keep_v and_o maintain_v the_o same_o be_v perfect_v shall_v have_v the_o full_a moiety_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n so_o drayn_v which_o lie_n and_o adjoyn_v to_o the_o say_v lode_n call_v maid_n load_n and_o likewise_o the_o moiety_n of_o all_o the_o several_a ground_n wherein_o no_o common_a be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v enjoy_v within_o the_o say_a limit_n between_o london_n load_n and_o maid_n load_n and_o other_o the_o precinct_n aforesaid_a except_o of_o the_o several_a ground_n of_o sir_n john_n payton_n kt._n dame_n dorothy_n his_o wife_n and_o edm._n bell_n esquire_n or_o any_o of_o they_o within_o those_o limit_n after_o this_o at_o another_o session_n 19_o of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o sechie_n aforesaid_a upon_o wednesday_n in_o easter_n week_n be_v the_o xi_o of_o april_n in_o the_o xli_o year_n of_o the_o say_a queen_n by_o the_o say_v francis_n gawdy_n clement_n spelman_n and_o other_o recital_n be_v make_v of_o those_o ordinance_n establish_v in_o the_o former_a session_n before_o note_v hold_v the_o 29_o of_o sept._n 39_o eliz._n for_o drayn_v the_o marsh-ground_n in_o upwell_n before-specified_n by_o a_o load_n call_v london_n load_n provide_v for_o the_o drayn_n of_o neatmore_n and_o certain_a ground_n adjoin_v on_o the_o north_n part_n and_o the_o drayn_n call_v maid_n load_n and_o ship_n load_n on_o the_o south_n whereby_o the_o bank_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v xuj_o foot_n broad_a at_o the_o bottom_n in_o height_n five_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n at_o the_o top_n four_o foot_n as_o also_o the_o dikes_n five_o foot_n deep_a and_o in_o wideness_n at_o the_o top_n thirty_o foot_n for_o the_o first_o two_o miles_n and_o for_o the_o next_o two_o mile_n twenty-five_o foot_n and_o for_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o same_o and_o shiplode_v xx_o foot_n with_o a_o level_n bottom_n unto_o the_o sluse_n for_o the_o same_o at_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n which_o sluse_n to_o be_v twelve_o foot_n wide_a the_o one_o moiety_n to_o be_v do_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o all_o those_o as_o have_v interest_n of_o common_a in_o the_o same_o and_o the_o other_o moiety_n to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o upwell_n for_o the_o residue_n of_o their_o common_a call_v neatmore_n lie_v without_o the_o limit_n aforesaid_a imbank_v and_o that_o aswell_o every_o acre_n of_o several_a ground_n as_o that_o wherein_o any_o have_v interest_n of_o common_a lie_v within_o the_o precinct_n abovementioned_a be_v assess_v at_o ten_o shilling_n the_o acre_n towards_o the_o erect_n of_o the_o say_a sluse_n heighten_v of_o the_o say_a bank_n and_o make_v of_o the_o drayn_n or_o load_v call_v maid_n load_n or_o ship_n load_n and_o the_o say_a moiety_n of_o the_o say_v drayn_n call_v london_n load_n and_o that_o the_o land_n of_o such_o as_o be_v so_o tax_v and_o in_o default_n to_o be_v sell_v the_o say_v commissioner_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o before-specified_n ordinance_n do_v decree_n divers_a land_n to_o be_v according_o sell_v for_o such_o their_o default_n in_o payment_n of_o what_o the_o owner_n of_o they_o have_v be_v so_o assess_v and_o tax_v eliz._n extract_v out_o of_o a_o certificate_n 20._o of_o certain_a commissioner_n assemle_v at_o upwell_n 24_o sept._n 41_o eliz._n 1._o that_o the_o bank_n sometime_o call_v the_o crest_n but_o now_o turk-banke_n late_o re-edify_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o water_n out_o of_o the_o fen_n â—in_a upwell_n lie_v betwixt_o maid_n load_n and_o london_n load_n will_v be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o many_o of_o her_o majesty_n subject_n for_o beside_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o whole_a ground_n imbank_v which_o be_v esteem_v 4000_o acre_n at_o the_o least_o from_o id._o the_o acre_n to_o 3s._o 4d._o or_o more_o there_o arise_v a_o improvement_n of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o acre_n in_o denver_n and_o likewise_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o bank_n of_o plawfield_n and_o churchfield_n in_o welle_v which_o be_v heretofore_o much_o oppress_v with_o water_n as_o also_o of_o the_o new_a podike_n against_o the_o fresh_a water_n 2._o that_o this_o bankâ—_n call_v turk_n bank_n be_v erect_v about_o two_o year_n since_o but_o there_o be_v long_o before_o and_o yet_o be_v a_o ancient_a bank_n or_o causey_n near_o the_o say_v new_a bank_n call_v turk_n bank_n and_o on_o the_o west_n side_n thereof_o towards_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n which_o bank_n be_v original_o make_v for_o defence_n of_o the_o water_n come_v out_o of_o the_o say_a isle_n from_o overflow_a the_o ground_n now_o imbank_v and_o other_o adjoin_a ground_n and_o for_o a_o way_n and_o passage_n for_o footman_n between_o welle_v and_o welneye_n 3._o that_o there_o have_v be_v of_o ancient_a time_n another_o old_a bank_n or_o crest_n call_v the_o common_a drove_n on_o the_o west_n part_n of_o the_o say_v old_a bank_n towards_o the_o say_a isle_n adjoin_v unto_o the_o river_n of_o wellenhe_n be_v the_o division_n between_o the_o say_a isle_n of_o ely_n and_o norff._n which_o say_v bank_n be_v make_v for_o keep_v those_o water_n of_o the_o say_a isle_n in_o their_o ancient_a and_o right_a course_n 4._o that_o it_o appear_v by_o certain_a court_n roll_n and_o record_n that_o divers_a person_n have_v be_v amerce_v and_o fine_v in_o the_o time_n of_o k._n edw._n 1._o and_o since_o for_o cut_v of_o the_o say_a bank_n whereby_o the_o say_a river_n of_o welneye_n be_v turn_v out_o of_o his_o right_a course_n and_o whereby_o the_o ground_n on_o norff._n side_n confine_v upon_o the_o say_a river_n of_o wellnye_o part_n whereof_o be_v now_o in_v be_v surround_v 5._o that_o after_o the_o drayn_n call_v maid_n load_n and_o ship_n load_n be_v perfect_v as_o by_o a_o law_n of_o sewer_n be_v provide_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o say_a isle_n and_o other_o the_o country_n confine_v shall_v receive_v much_o more_o benefit_n and_o be_v better_o drayn_v than_o before_o the_o inning_n of_o the_o say_a ground_n and_o erection_n of_o the_o say_a turk_n bank_n they_o have_v be_v eâ—iz_n the_o presentment_n 23._o of_o the_o jury_n for_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n make_v 25_o sept._n 41_o eliz._n 1._o that_o the_o bank_n call_v turk_n bank_n contain_v in_o compass_n about_o xv_o mile_n will_v be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o fall_n of_o many_o water_n flow_v towards_o the_o sea_n through_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n it_o be_v plant_v between_o the_o two_o most_o natural_a drayn_n on_o that_o side_n the_o isle_n at_o the_o meeting_n of_o many_o water_n flow_v out_o of_o neene_n ouse_n and_o other_o stream_n fall_v by_o dodington_n and_o march_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o turn_v they_o unto_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o say_a isle_n towards_o litleport_n and_o the_o country_n thereabouts_o where_o fall_v into_o the_o ouse_n they_o stop_v the_o water_n natural_o flow_v into_o those_o quarter_n from_o that_o ordinary_a drayn_n etc._n
of_o the_o marsh_n just_a to_o the_o mouth_n of_o they_o which_o in_o every_o springtide_n afford_v store_n of_o water_n to_o grind_v down_o the_o channel_n whereof_o that_o on_o the_o north_n side_n be_v the_o more_o principal_a for_o the_o conduct_v whereof_o to_o the_o place_n of_o best_a advantage_n the_o leame_z be_v embank_v on_o that_o side_n â—y_a some_o certain_a space_n that_o the_o tide_n on_o the_o marsh_n can_v fall_v into_o it_o but_o by_o that_o finne_n at_o the_o very_a head_n and_o there_o by_o his_o plentiful_a descent_n scour_v to_o good_a purpose_n that_o which_o otherwise_o in_o summer_n will_v be_v silt_v up_o such_o penury_n there_o be_v of_o fresh_a water_n in_o the_o country_n at_o that_o time_n 1621._o in_o 19_o jac._n there_o be_v a_o decree_n pettibag_n make_v at_o outwell_n by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n then_o fit_v there_o for_o levy_v the_o forfeiture_n and_o penalty_n impose_v by_o the_o juror_n for_o the_o hundred_o and_o half_a of_o clakclose_v upon_o the_o landholders_n of_o churchfield_n and_o plawfield_n â—or_a not_o make_v sufficient_a sluice_n viz._n one_o at_o the_o south_n end_n of_o the_o pipe_n under_o welle_v river_n the_o other_o in_o plawfield_n drayn_n in_o the_o thirty_o acre_n of_o john_n fyncham_n esquire_n 1â—3â—_n and_o in_o 8_o caroli_n there_o have_v be_v a_o agreement_n make_v with_o henry_n dereham_n of_o london_n esquire_n for_o the_o drayn_n of_o certain_a fen_n and_o surround_v ground_n lie_v in_o the_o parish_n of_o tide_n s._n mary_n in_o the_o county_n of_o lincoln_n tide_n s._n giles_n and_o newton_n in_o this_o county_n of_o cambridge_n make_v by_o the_o proprietary_n and_o owner_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n contain_v by_o estimation_n three_o thousand_o acre_n by_o which_o agreement_n the_o say_a henry_n be_v to_o make_v his_o drayne_n unto_o the_o outfall_n near_o eatts_n mere_a into_o the_o sea_n so_o that_o the_o say_v ground_n shall_v be_v keep_v dry_a at_o least_o one_o foot_n under_o the_o soil_n and_o for_o his_o charge_n therein_o that_o a_o tax_n of_o xls._n the_o acre_n shall_v be_v impose_v and_o in_o default_n of_o payment_n thereof_o that_o the_o say_v henry_n shall_v have_v two_o five_o part_n of_o the_o say_a ground_n upon_o a_o equal_a division_n thereof_o into_o five_o part_n to_o be_v establish_v to_o he_o and_o his_o heir_n for_o ever_o and_o a_o moiety_n of_o the_o say_v two_o five_o part_n to_o be_v set_v out_o to_o the_o say_v henry_n and_o his_o heir_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o say_a work_n after_o they_o shall_v be_v perfect_v the_o say_a agreement_n be_v full_o ratify_v by_o a_o decree_n make_v at_o wisebeche_n upon_o the_o 20_o of_o september_n the_o same_o year_n in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n then_o and_o there_o hold_v chap._n xlix_o hold_v on_o my_o course_n more_o westward_n ely_n i_o come_v to_o that_o part_n of_o this_o county_n which_o be_v call_v the_o isle_n of_o ely_n the_o bound_n whereof_o i_o shall_v next_o take_v notice_n and_o then_o of_o what_o else_o be_v most_o memorable_a touch_v the_o fen_n which_o do_v belong_v thereto_o the_o circuit_n of_o this_o isle_n say_v the_o register_n b._n of_o ramsey_n begin_v at_o erith_n brigge_n and_o from_o thence_o extend_v to_o sutton_n grove_n so_o to_o mepehale_n thence_o to_o wichhome_n brigg_n thence_o to_o ely_n dounhom_n thence_o to_o litisport_v thence_o to_o the_o town_n of_o ely_n thence_o to_o haveringmere_n thence_o to_o stratam_fw-la load_n thence_o to_o anglongwesche_n on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o isle_n thence_o to_o aldirhethe_v brigge_n and_o so_o to_o erith_n brigge_n the_o entrance_n into_o it_o be_v these_o the_o first_o at_o litisport_n the_o second_o at_o stuntmere_n brigge_n the_o three_o at_o alderhethe_o brigge_n and_o the_o four_o at_o erith_n brigge_n moreover_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v ibid._n that_o the_o commons_o in_o the_o fen_n of_o this_o isle_n bound_v be_v divide_v from_o those_o of_o chateriz_n at_o snarissode_n whence_o the_o commons_o of_o chateriz_n go_v on_o to_o mepehale_n he_o and_o so_o to_o andelong_v bihee_o howbeit_o the_o commons_o of_o chateriz_n fen_n to_o mow_v cut_v and_o dig_v begin_v at_o dryebyresfen_n and_o so_o go_v on_o betwixt_o arnyatesmere_n and_o thence_o to_o blakwell_n and_o from_o blakwell_n to_o by_o i_fw-mi and_o from_o thence_o compass_v hunn_n eye_n unto_o langereche_n thence_o to_o the_o river_n of_o dodyngton_n then_o to_o bilâ—ing_v thence_o to_o algaris-fen_n and_o so_o over_o the_o fen_n to_o achinwerdore_v but_o the_o pasture_n belong_v to_o chateriz_n go_v first_o to_o dounham_n thence_o to_o uuycheham_n thence_o to_o sutton_n and_o so_o to_o dodyngtone_n and_o march_n within_o which_o precinct_n the_o monk_n of_o ramsey_n have_v enter_v commom_n with_o chateriz_n belong_v likewise_o to_o chateriz_n be_v these_o meadow_n scil_n crow_n load_n begin_v near_o such_o fen_n muthe_n and_o extend_v to_o haul_v load_n which_o meadow_n be_v compass_v with_o water_n on_o every_o side_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o water_n from_o park_n hale_v to_o fenton_n be_v uuelagh_n beside_o one_o piece_n which_o the_o abbess_n have_v the_o demesne_fw-la fen_n of_o crow_n load_n belong_v to_o the_o abbot_n of_o ramsey_n manor_n in_o chateriz_n begin_v at_o wolvey_n be_v which_o stand_v in_o the_o great_a river_n near_o to_o the_o place_n where_o fenton_n load_n descend_v thereinto_o hard_o by_o horshithe_n and_o so_o go_v on_o in_o length_n by_o the_o say_v great_a river_n southwards_o unto_o croslodeâ—_n â—_z which_o crosâ—lode_n be_v by_o some_o call_v parkhale_n load_n but_o by_o other_o the_o draught_n and_o far_o extend_v itself_o thwart_v the_o fen_n to_o the_o west_n by_o the_o southside_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n call_v crow_n load_n unto_o wolvey_n load_n which_o by_o some_o be_v call_v fenton_n load_n and_o thence_o to_o wolvey_n welagh_o which_o stand_v near_o the_o say_a river_n on_o the_o north_n part_n of_o wolvey_n load_n and_o opposite_a to_o wolvey_n be_v aforesaid_a within_o which_o precinct_n the_o abbess_n of_o chateriz_n hold_v one_o part_n of_o a_o meadow_n which_o hugh_n folyot_n sometime_o abbot_n of_o ramesey_n give_v unto_o she_o it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o soak_v of_o somersham_n ought_v to_o common_a aswell_o in_o graze_v as_o mow_v in_o that_o fen_n which_o extend_v from_o erith_n brigge_v unto_o parkhale_n load_n by_o the_o river_n and_o thence_o to_o fenton_n welugh_o to_o graze_v and_o mow_v and_o for_o housebote_n and_o firebote_n and_o from_o fenton_n welughe_o they_o ought_v to_o common_a in_o grazingâ—_n unto_o weremere_n and_o from_o weremere_n likewise_o to_o thornbrigge_n and_o it_o be_v likewise_o to_o be_v note_v that_o within_o those_o precinct_n sir_n will._n le_fw-fr moigne_n have_v one_o field_n which_o be_v gain_v land_n and_o a_o grove_n of_o alder_n with_o two_o mere_n at_o roweye_n the_o bound_n b._n of_o higgen_n eye_n fen_n recover_v by_o simon_n abbot_n of_o ramsey_n be_v these_o viz._n from_o calverwodeyate_n and_o so_o direct_o to_o monk_n lade_v thence_o to_o hokeslade_n descend_v towards_o glatton_n and_o so_o by_o hokeslade_n unto_o byrchmere_n pooly_v thence_o to_o walton_n eld_n load_n direct_o to_o byrch_n holt_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o dry_a land_n of_o higgen_n eye_n at_o the_o corner_n of_o byrch_n holt_n and_o there_o by_o the_o dry_a land_n to_o north_n welne_v and_o thence_o unto_o calverwodeyate_n which_o fen_n contain_v a_o thousand_o acre_n within_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o water_n belong_v unto_o this_o isle_n of_o ely_n there_o be_v a_o little_a island_n call_v ehâ—eneie_n a._n wherein_o the_o monk_n of_o ely_n have_v a_o cell_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o those_o obstruction_n that_o hinder_v the_o fresh_a water_n in_o their_o passage_n through_o this_o great_a level_n from_o evacuate_v themselves_o as_o i_o have_v before_o observe_v become_v by_o the_o swell_a of_o those_o water_n almost_o drown_v upon_o a_o great_a complaint_n ibid._n therefore_o make_v by_o the_o say_a monk_n unto_o alberic_n picot_n he_o give_v ibid._n they_o four_o acre_n and_o a_o half_a of_o ground_n in_o the_o isle_n of_o denney_n which_o lie_v without_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o fen_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v translate_v their_o house_n thither_o and_o make_v orchard_n and_o garden_n there_o for_o their_o use_n the_o next_o thing_n of_o note_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o isle_n wherewith_o i_o have_v meet_v be_v the_o repair_n of_o the_o causey_n lead_v thereto_o in_o 5_o h_n 3._o the_o king_n then_o give_v â—5_n unto_o peter_n de_fw-la valentiniis_fw-la a_o monk_n of_o ely_n four_o oak_n to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o his_o forest_n of_o wauberge_n in_o huntendonshire_n for_o that_o purpose_n the_o record_n term_v it_o calcetum_fw-la de_fw-fr ely_n which_o make_v i_o think_v that_o it_o be_v
from_o credible_a testimony_n viz._n that_o upon_o the_o cut_n of_o certain_a moat_n by_o francis_n underwood_n esquire_n at_o wittlesey_n where_o he_o have_v make_v a_o pleasant_a and_o commodious_a plantation_n within_o less_o than_o xx_o year_n last_o pass_v there_o be_v find_v at_o seven_o foot_n deep_a through_o absolute_a moor_n firm_a ground_n and_o swath_n of_o mow_v grass_n lie_v perfect_a and_o not_o consume_v which_o clear_o manifest_v that_o through_o some_o excess_n of_o rain_n fall_v in_o the_o summer_n time_n there_o happen_v such_o a_o flood_n of_o the_o fresh_a water_n as_o then_o meet_v with_o a_o obstruction_n at_o the_o out-fall_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o silt_n there_o contract_v by_o a_o long_a season_n of_o dry_a weather_n it_o do_v so_o hinder_v their_o usual_a current_n to_o the_o sea_n that_o be_v force_v back_o they_o not_o only_o overflow_v the_o whole_a level_n but_o have_v ever_o since_o till_o the_o late_a undertake_n whereof_o i_o shall_v speak_v anon_o keep_v it_o for_o the_o most_o part_n under_o water_n but_o i_o dare_v not_o adventure_v to_o say_v that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n thereof_o there_o be_v something_o else_o which_o no_o doubt_n may_v be_v concomitant_a viz._n the_o usual_a flow_v of_o the_o tide_n much_o high_a upon_o the_o coast_n towards_o lenne_n than_o former_o for_o that_o they_o long_v since_o do_v so_o be_v easy_o demonstrable_a there_o have_v be_v of_o late_a year_n find_v at_o the_o set_n down_o of_o a_o new_a sluse_n a_o little_a beneath_o magdalen_n fall_n which_o be_v about_o half_a a_o mile_n from_o magdalen_n bridge_n on_o marshland_n side_n about_o xuj_o foot_n deep_a in_o the_o earth_n a_o large_a flat_a stone_n of_o about_o eight_o foot_n in_o length_n and_o a_o cart_n wheel_n near_o unto_o it_o which_o be_v take_v up_o by_o certain_a workman_n employ_v be_v one_o mr._n emerson_n in_o that_o business_n and_o at_o wigenhall_n s._n mary_n which_o be_v not_o far_o thence_o at_o a_o place_n call_v wathden_n there_o be_v still_o to_o be_v see_v some_o remainer_n of_o a_o church_n as_o also_o bone_n that_o appear_v at_o a_o low_a ebb_n upon_o the_o river_n side_n about_z 8_o foot_n below_o the_o present_a superficies_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o like_a be_v also_o observable_a at_o uuigenhall_n s._n germane_a the_o floor_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v at_o least_o seven_o foot_n low_o than_o the_o high_a water-mark_a of_o the_o ouse_n which_o river_n run_v by_o the_o churchyard_n side_n be_v keep_v off_o by_o a_o strong_a and_o large_a bank_n from_o drown_v the_o country_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o the_o same_o rise_n of_o the_o usual_a tide_n to_o a_o great_a height_n than_o former_o which_o have_v so_o widen_v the_o channel_n of_o this_o great_a stream_n at_o lenne_n that_o the_o inhabitant_n have_v be_v constrain_v to_o remove_v one_o of_o their_o church_n to_o a_o far_a distance_n from_o it_o as_o be_v yet_o to_o be_v see_v in_o that_o part_n thereof_o now_o call_v old_a lenne_n where_o the_o bone_n of_o the_o dead_a which_o be_v bury_v in_o that_o churchyard_n be_v now_o daily_o wash_v at_o every_o high_a tide_n by_o reason_n that_o part_n of_o the_o same_o churchyard_n be_v consume_v away_o with_o the_o violence_n of_o that_o current_n as_o for_o the_o tree_n which_o he_o so_o magnify_v for_o their_o length_n without_o knot_n i_o believe_v they_o be_v fir_n no_o other_o timber_n afford_v such_o straightness_n and_o height_n of_o which_o kind_n there_o have_v be_v many_o dig_v up_o of_o late_a year_n in_o those_o part_n but_o when_o it_o be_v that_o this_o obstruction_n whereof_o i_o have_v thus_o take_v notice_n happen_v i_o can_v never_o yet_o discover_v nor_o the_o exact_a time_n that_o the_o course_n of_o the_o sea_n do_v thus_o alter_v i_o shall_v therefore_o for_o want_v of_o better_a light_n therein_o descend_v to_o the_o begin_n of_o k._n edw._n the_o first_o be_v time_n and_o observe_v from_o our_o public_a 〈◊〉_d record_n the_o extent_n of_o the_o fen_n belong_v to_o divers_a town_n in_o this_o county_n wherein_o the_o inhabitant_n have_v common_a which_o be_v as_o follow_v viz._n of_o soham_n ten_o mile_n and_o two_o in_o breadth_n viz._n from_o ayornemere_n to_o alwoldingewere_v iselham_n six_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o in_o breadth_n one_o viz._n from_o mildehale_n fen_n to_o the_o fen_n of_o soham_n and_o ely_n of_o wykes_n two_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o one_o in_o breadth_n viz._n from_o alwoldingwere_n to_o strem-lake_n beside_o a_o fen_n in_o another_o place_n of_o one_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o in_o breadth_n half_a a_o mile_n scil_n from_o huppewere_v to_o the_o town_n of_o wykes_n of_o fordham_n a_o marsh_n call_v west_n fen_n contain_v six_o furlong_n in_o length_n and_o as_o much_o in_o breadth_n extend_v from_o nesdam_n to_o hopperislane_n with_o another_o marsh_n call_v nort-fen_n in_o length_n two_o furlong_n and_o breadth_n one_o viz._n from_o the_o house_n of_o walter_n fitz_fw-fr robert_n to_o the_o message_n of_o maud_n de_fw-fr somere_n of_o sneilwelle_v four_o furlong_n in_o length_n and_o two_o in_o breadth_n viz._n from_o the_o fen_n of_o chippeham_n to_o holme_n melne_v beside_o the_o marsh_n of_o west_n fen_n contain_v half_o a_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o one_o furlong_n in_o breadth_n viz._n from_o preeruspend_v to_o calvenebreg_n of_o landwaye_o half_a a_o mile_n in_o length_n viz._n from_o brounisdam_n to_o illingworthe_n of_o borewelle_v six_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o three_o in_o breadth_n viz._n from_o reach_z load_n to_o nesdam_n beside_o part_n of_o est_fw-fr fen_n contain_v four_o furlong_n in_o length_n and_o two_o in_o breadth_n viz._n from_o nesmelne_n unto_o borewelle_n field_n of_o chippeham_n six_o furlong_n in_o length_n and_o three_o and_o a_o half_a in_o breadth_n viz._n from_o the_o say_a town_n of_o chippeham_n to_o sneilwelle_n fen_n of_o swafham_n prior_n in_o length_n from_o the_o town_n itself_o unto_o the_o river_n of_o grante_n contain_v three_o mile_n and_o in_o breadth_n from_o the_o lode_n of_o reach_v to_o the_o lode_n of_o swafham_n bolebek_n contain_v a_o mile_n and_o half_a the_o bound_n of_o the_o heath_n there_o extend_v from_o the_o crest_n of_o the_o great_a bank_n unto_o tweynhowe_n in_o length_n one_o mile_n and_o in_o another_o part_n of_o that_o town_n field_n to_o smathowe_v be_v as_o far_o of_o bodekesham_n in_o the_o fen_n of_o stowbrigge_n unto_o swafham_n bolebek_n lode_n two_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o as_o much_o in_o breadth_n of_o wilburham_n parva_fw-la from_o the_o town_n itself_o to_o the_o upland_n of_o stow_n ......._o and_o in_o another_o place_n to_o the_o river_n which_o extend_v itself_o from_o halke_n milne_v to_o the_o mill_n at_o fosse_n and_o of_o wilburham_n magna_fw-la from_o lidene_n unto_o wateholme_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o fen_n belong_v to_o the_o before-specified_n township_n in_o 1â—_n e._n 1._o the_o causey_n betwixt_o saham_n and_o stuntney_n with_o the_o little_a bridge_n belong_v thereto_o be_v in_o great_a decay_n the_o king_n therefore_o assign_v dorso_fw-la thomas_n de_fw-fr weyland_n and_o richard_n de_fw-fr holebrok_n to_o inquire_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o honest_a man_n of_o the_o country_n who_o ought_v to_o repair_v the_o same_o after_o this_o there_o be_v some_o commission_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n ditch_n sewer_n within_o this_o county_n in_o general_a and_o some_o wherein_o certain_a of_o the_o adjacent_a county_n be_v join_v viz._n in_o 31_o e._n 1_o to_o dorso_o james_n beauvoy_n robert_n hereward_n william_n de_fw-fr estdene_n and_o hugh_n vicar_n of_o the_o church_n of_o elm_n for_o those_o in_o this_o county_n alone_o in_o 2_o e._n 2._o to_o â—oâ—so_o ranulph_n the_o friskeneye_n geffrey_n de_fw-fr colevill_n william_n de_fw-fr spanneby_n and_o roger_n de_fw-fr cubeldyk_n for_o those_o throughout_o the_o whole_a county_n of_o lincoln_n and_o this_o shire_n in_o 4_o e._n 2._o to_o dorso_fw-la william_n de_fw-fr ormesby_n william_n de_fw-fr estdeneâ—_n â—_z and_o henry_n de_fw-fr walpole_n for_o those_o in_o this_o county_n only_o in_o 10_o e._n 2._o to_o dorso_fw-la geffrey_n de_fw-fr coleville_n and_o roger_n de_fw-fr seiton_n for_o the_o same_o in_o 12_o e._n 2._o to_o dâ—rso_fw-la robert_n de_fw-fr maddyngle_n john_n de_fw-fr fitton_n william_n de_fw-fr rungeton_n john_n de_fw-fr hotoft_n laurence_n de_fw-fr holbeche_n and_o john_n de_fw-fr cantebrigg_n for_o those_o in_o this_o county_n as_o also_o in_o norfolk_n lincoln_n and_o northampton_n shire_n and_o the_o confine_n thereof_o with_o power_n to_o constitute_v trusty_a dykereeve_v for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n ditch_n and_o sewer_n throughout_o all_o those_o part_n in_o 15_o e._n 2._o to_o dorso_fw-la michael_n de_fw-fr meldon_n and_o roger_n the_o beler_n for_o the_o same_o county_n
of_o all_o sort_n of_o tree_n especial_o wild_a ash_n the_o length_n and_o bigness_n whereof_o may_v be_v see_v by_o the_o beam_n and_o rafter_n on_o the_o roof_n of_o the_o church_n but_o now_o through_o tract_n of_o time_n the_o wood_n for_o the_o most_o part_n go_v the_o fertility_n of_o the_o turf_n be_v such_o as_o that_o the_o land_n convert_v to_o tillage_n bear_v corn_n plentiful_o nor_o be_v it_o less_o profitable_a otherwise_o be_v full_a of_o fair_a garden_n fat_a pasture_n shady_a grove_n and_o rich_a meadow_n which_o in_o the_o spring_n time_n make_v a_o most_o beautiful_a show_v moreover_o on_o the_o border_n of_o it_o there_o be_v several_a mere_a full_a of_o eel_n as_o also_o spacious_a fen_n and_o pool_n abound_v with_o divers_a sort_n of_o fish_n and_o waterfoul_n whereof_o one_o call_v ramsey_n mere_a from_o the_o name_n of_o the_o isle_n much_o excel_v the_o other_o adjacent_a water_n in_o beaâ—ty_n and_o profit_n which_o lie_v on_o the_o most_o large_a and_o woody_a side_n of_o it_o and_o pleasant_o beat_v upon_o that_o sandy_a shore_n thereof_o call_v mereham_n make_v a_o delightful_a object_n to_o the_o beholder_n in_o the_o deep_a and_o great_a gulf_n of_o which_o mere_a there_o be_v frequent_o take_v by_o several_a sort_n of_o net_n as_o also_o with_o bait_a hook_n and_o other_o sish_a instrument_n pike_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a bigness_n call_v hakedes_o by_o the_o county_n people_n and_o though_o both_o fisher_n and_o fowler_n cease_v neither_o day_n nor_o night_n to_o haunt_v it_o yet_o be_v there_o always_o of_o fish_n and_o foul_n no_o little_a store_n what_o proportion_n to_o the_o fen_n belong_v to_o divers_a particular_a town_n in_o this_o county_n ancient_o be_v of_o i_o shallâ—_n in_o the_o next_o place_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o record_n make_v manifest_a by_o which_o they_o who_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o those_o part_n may_v discern_v how_o much_o improvement_n have_v be_v since_o make_v therein_o through_o the_o industry_n of_o the_o borderer_n or_o whether_o all_o or_o any_o of_o they_o be_v by_o neglect_n expatiate_v to_o a_o more_o large_a extent_n upon_o that_o memorable_a survey_n hunt_n make_v short_o after_o the_o norman_a conquest_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o fen_n belong_v to_o colne_n be_v then_o repute_v to_o be_v one_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o half_a a_o mile_n in_o breadth_n and_o those_o in_o wardboys_n just_a as_o much_o but_o in_o 3_o edw._n 1._o there_o be_v a_o far_o more_o exact_a account_n lond._n of_o they_o it_o be_v then_o find_v by_o inquisition_n as_o follow_v viz._n that_o the_o fen_n pertain_v to_o stangrund_n and_o faresheve_v call_v faresheve_v ferri_fw-la contain_v then_o in_o length_n from_o faresheved_a brigge_n at_o the_o one_o end_n unto_o the_o other_o where_o ramsey_n fen_n and_o fairesheved_a fen_n do_v part_n two_o mile_n and_o in_o breadth_n from_o the_o bank_n call_v king_n delft_n unto_o wythlesmare_n one_o mile_n in_o which_o fen_n there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o certain_a meadow_n call_v kingesdelph-mede_n contain_v cx._n acre_n and_o another_o call_v myleby_n of_o x._o acre_n the_o same_o meadow_n then_o belong_v to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o stangrund_n and_o faresheve_v moreover_o there_o be_v then_o a_o certain_a division_n betwixt_o the_o town_n of_o stanground_n and_o flectone_n begin_v at_o broad_a he_o near_o to_o the_o mayden-cros_a and_o extend_v itself_o by_o the_o ancient_a load_n to_o lavehythe_n and_o from_o thence_o direct_o to_o blancheferye_n and_o thence_o to_o stakengeshirste_n be_v a_o certain_a common_a pasture_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o town_n of_o stangrund_n and_o flectone_n likewise_o that_o in_o the_o hundred_o of_o normancros_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a fen_n call_v kyngesdelf_n beginning_n at_o the_o end_n of_o brod_n he_o scil_n at_o the_o end_n of_o kyngesdelf_n and_o extend_v itself_o circular_o to_o wittleseye_n town_n be_v end_n for_o two_o mile_n and_o from_o wytlesheye_n by_o the_o hold_v old_a i_fw-mi to_o pokeslode_v for_o the_o space_n also_o of_o two_o mile_n and_o from_o thence_o by_o hold_v old_a eee_o to_o west_n fen_n for_o three_o mile_n thence_o to_o wysemuthe_n for_o two_o mile_n thence_o to_o beynwic_n for_o three_o mile_n thence_o to_o syrmare_n for_o two_o mile_n thence_o to_o kyngge_n delfe_n end_n southwards_o for_o one_o mile_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o utmost_a point_n of_o broad_a i_fw-mi where_o kynge_n delfe_n end_v for_o five_o mile_n which_o whole_a circuit_n contain_v xx_o mile_n and_o belonge_v to_o the_o abbey_n of_o ramsey_n and_o thorney_n and_o priory_n of_o ely_n for_o which_o the_o abbot_n of_o ramsey_n have_v the_o charter_n of_o s._n edward_n from_o gangestede_n eastward_n to_o hyndelake_n in_o the_o west_n and_o so_o at_o wendelmere_n and_o cayeresholt_n with_o the_o confirmation_n of_o several_a king_n since_o that_o time_n the_o fen_n of_o glactone_n extend_v itself_o from_o denton_n lade_v to_o hubbemere_n contain_v in_o length_n a_o mile_n but_o it_o begin_v at_o the_o town_n of_o holme_n and_o continue_v to_o saldermere_n which_o be_v in_o length_n three_o mile_n the_o fen_n belong_v to_o the_o town_n of_o conyngton_n begin_v at_o conyngton_n mere_a and_o reach_v to_o the_o redipole_n and_o thence_o to_o scelremore_n contain_v in_o length_n from_o conington_n mere_a to_o selremere_n two_o mile_n from_o selremere_n it_o go_v to_o berchemere_n and_o thence_o by_o hokeslade_n for_o three_o furlong_n unto_o monk_n lade_v and_o so_o by_o the_o say_a load_n to_o the_o new_a load_n at_o sautre_fw-fr for_o a_o mile_n and_o a_o half_a and_o two_o furlong_n which_o be_v betwixt_o sautre_fw-fr fen_n and_o conyngton_n and_o so_o it_o hold_v on_o by_o the_o new_a load_n unto_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o nesse_n and_o from_o the_o three_o hassoke_v unto_o the_o say_a bank_n it_o contain_v in_o length_n one_o mile_n direct_o and_o from_o the_o say_a bank_n it_o go_v on_o crooked_o unto_o the_o north_n side_n of_o conyngton_n mere_a be_v in_o length_n from_o that_o bank_n unto_o the_o say_v northern_a side_n one_o mile_n and_o a_o half_a within_o which_o circuit_n conington_n fen_n be_v include_v but_o the_o abbot_n of_o saltrey_a aught_o of_o right_a to_o make_v two_o bridge_n in_o the_o say_a fen_n beyond_o monk_n lade_v over_o which_o the_o man_n of_o conynton_n be_v to_o drive_v their_o cattle_n to_o pasture_n beyond_o that_o lade_n the_o fen_n of_o dentone_n contain_v in_o length_n one_o mile_n and_o extend_v itself_o to_o witlesmare_n one_o way_n and_o another_o way_n to_o dentone_n field_n be_v four_o acre_n in_o breadth_n but_o glattone_v and_o holme_n have_v by_o force_n appropriate_v to_o themselves_o a_o half_a furlong_n and_o more_o of_o the_o say_a fen_n in_o breadth_n except_v one_o bank_n and_o in_o length_n one_o mile_n and_o do_v there_o dig_v turf_n by_o force_n and_o carry_v they_o away_o nor_o can_v the_o man_n of_o denton_n dig_v turf_n with_o they_o but_o they_o have_v pasturage_n there_o for_o their_o cattle_n moreover_o the_o earl_n of_o cornwall_n do_v appropriate_a to_o himself_o the_o flete_n and_o ditch_v it_o in_o which_o place_n contain_v three_o acre_n and_o have_v be_v common_a to_o dentone_n glattone_n and_o holme_n the_o fen_n of_o waltone_n begin_v at_o michelholme_n hale_v extend_v itself_o thence_o for_o two_o furlong_n unto_o stakelode_n and_o thence_o for_o one_o furlong_n to_o the_o bar_n of_o bolloke_n fen_n and_o thence_o for_o three_o furlong_n to_o croslode_v and_o thence_o for_o two_o mile_n to_o hokeslode_v thence_o for_o three_o furlong_n to_o brichmere_n thence_o for_o four_o furlong_n to_o hubbemere_n load_n and_o thence_o for_o one_o furlong_n to_o hubbemere_n cote_n thence_o for_o two_o mile_n unto_o ranelesnok_n and_o thence_o for_o half_a a_o mile_n unto_o michelholm_n hale_v to_o the_o town_n and_o abbey_n of_o sautre_fw-fr belong_v a_o certain_a fen_n which_o begin_v at_o the_o one_o end_n at_o saneshyl_n and_o the_o head_n of_o monk_n bank_n and_o extend_v itself_o in_o length_n near_o to_o monk_n meadow_n crooked_o for_o one_o mile_n and_o so_o go_v on_o by_o the_o stable_n and_o thence_o direct_o to_o the_o bar_n of_o bolloke_n fenâ—_n â—_z and_o thence_o direct_o to_o the_o head_n of_o new_a lade_n for_o half_a a_o mile_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o eastern_a dyke_n for_o one_o mile_n and_o from_o eastern_a dyke_n at_o the_o head_n of_o the_o bank_n of_o staneshille_n for_o four_o furlong_n and_o thus_o the_o fen_n of_o sautre_fw-fr be_v perfect_o bound_v and_o beyond_o monkeslade_n bâ—_n the_o whole_a fen_n of_o waltone_n and_o conytone_n to_o wytlesmere_n bank_n and_o hubbemere_n bank_n they_o be_v to_o common_a with_o their_o cattle_n the_o common_a of_o pasture_n in_o the_o fen_n belong_v to_o the_o two_o town_n of_o wardeboys_n and_o caldecote_n be_v in_o length_n two_o mile_n and_o
in_o breadth_n two_o and_o a_o half_a this_o county_n of_o huntendon_n be_v then_o a_o forest_n the_o regardor_n do_v in_o 34_o e._n 1._o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o king_n precept_n make_v this_o follow_a presentment_n b._n at_o the_o new_a temple_n in_o london_n viz._n that_o the_o tenant_n of_o the_o abbot_n of_o ramsey_n in_o the_o town_n of_o ramsey_n the_o tenant_n of_o the_o abbot_n of_o thorney_n in_o wytlesheye_n and_o the_o tenant_n of_o the_o prior_n of_o ely_n in_o wytlysheye_n have_v waste_v all_o the_o fen_n of_o kyngesdelfe_n of_o the_o alder_n hassocks_n and_o rush_n estimate_v at_o a_o thousand_o acre_n so_o that_o the_o king_n deer_n can_v not_o have_v harbour_n there_o as_o they_o have_v before_o that_o perambulation_n likewise_o that_o the_o town_n of_o stangrund_n and_o farsheve_v have_v waste_v the_o fen_n of_o farsheved_a of_o the_o alder_n and_o rush_n estimate_v at_o a_o hundred_o acre_n also_o that_o 2d_o the_o abbot_n of_o thorney_n have_v make_v a_o purpresture_n in_o the_o say_v king_n forest_n within_o farsheved_a fen_n and_o enclose_v the_o same_o with_o a_o double_a ditch_n on_o the_o side_n towards_o farsheve_v which_o contain_v in_o length_n two_o mile_n by_o estimation_n and_o two_o furlong_n in_o breadth_n and_o likewise_o that_o the_o say_a abbot_n have_v raise_v a_o new_a bank_n without_o the_o town_n of_o jakele_n contain_v one_o mile_n in_o length_n against_o the_o assize_n of_o the_o forest._n and_o that_o b._n john_n le_fw-fr woo_v of_o jakele_n come_v with_o the_o man_n of_o wytlysheye_n into_o the_o fen_n of_o kynggesdelfe_n and_o set_v fire_n therein_o which_o burn_v in_o length_n and_o breadth_n about_o four_o mile_n by_o estimation_n which_o cause_v great_a loss_n to_o the_o king_n in_o his_o heart_n hind_n and_o goat_n and_o likewise_o that_o the_o man_n of_o benewyk_n have_v destroy_v a_o certain_a place_n in_o kyngesdelf_n of_o the_o alder_n and_o rush_n call_v hertyngge_n contain_v a_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o breadth_n and_o they_o likewise_o then_o present_v that_o the_o banleu_n of_o ramsey_n begin_v at_o humberdale_n and_o so_o go_v on_o to_o wystowe_v low_a by_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o town_n of_o wystowe_n and_o so_o to_o ranelestone_n and_o thence_o to_o ranelesnoge_fw-mi thence_o to_o obmere-bote_n thence_o to_o scaldemere_n thence_o to_o ayxschebeche_v thence_o to_o the_o new_a load_n which_o lead_v betwixt_o middilmore_n and_o kynggesdelfe_n thence_o to_o beaurepeyre_n thence_o to_o tyrmerekote_v thence_o to_o pollyngsecote_n thence_o to_o caldemowchache_n thence_o to_o goldepyttelade_v and_o thence_o to_o homberdale_n the_o division_n 2._o betwixt_o this_o forest_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n his_o free_a chase_n of_o somersham_n 1._o begin_v at_o the_o great_a river_n scil_n at_o the_o three_o willow_n and_o thence_o extend_v to_o fentone_n load_n thence_o to_o the_o new_a bank_n thence_o to_o fentone_n cross_n thence_o to_o the_o mill_n at_o wardeboys_n thence_o to_o pydelemare_n thence_o to_o pydele_n dam_n thence_o to_o iny_n meed_n thence_o to_o kollangeleye_a thence_o to_o the_o hanger_n of_o bluntesham_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o great_a river_n chap._n lii_o this_o be_v the_o last_o of_o those_o six_o county_n into_o which_o the_o great_a level_n as_o have_v be_v observe_v extend_v contain_v no_o more_o than_o a_o narrow_a skirt_n of_o those_o fen_n at_o the_o utmost_a point_n whereof_o that_o sometime_o great_a and_o famous_a abbey_n of_o medeshamstede_n since_o call_v peterborough_n be_v for_o the_o like_a advantage_n already_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o thorney_n and_o some_o other_o first_o found_v 1640._o by_o peada_n king_n of_o the_o mercian_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n dcl_o and_o soon_o after_o ample_o endow_v by_o king_n wolpherus_fw-la his_o brother_n and_o successor_n in_o the_o government_n as_o to_o its_o situation_n and_o the_o more_o exact_a description_n of_o the_o fen_n belong_v thereto_o i_o shall_v exhibit_v what_o robert_n the_o swasham_n sometime_o a_o monk_n of_o that_o house_n sai_z b._n burch_n verò_fw-la in_o region_fw-la gyrviorum_fw-la est_fw-la fundatus_fw-la etc._n etc._n burch_n be_v found_v in_o the_o country_n of_o the_o gyrvii_n for_o there_o begin_v the_o fen_n on_o the_o east_n side_n thereof_o which_o reach_v lx._n mile_n or_o more_o in_o length_n which_o fen_n be_v of_o no_o small_a benefit_n to_o the_o border_a people_n for_o there_o they_o have_v wood_n and_o other_o fuel_n for_o the_o fire_n and_o hay_n for_o fodder_n as_o also_o reed_n for_o thatch_v of_o their_o house_n with_o many_o other_o necessary_n there_o be_v likewise_o divers_a river_n water_n and_o great_a mere_a for_o fish_v the_o country_n abound_v in_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o best_a part_n whereof_o burch_n be_v seat_v have_v on_o the_o one_o side_n of_o it_o the_o fen_n and_o river_n and_o on_o the_o other_o upland_n ground_n with_o wood_n meadow_n and_o many_o pasture_n which_o do_v render_v it_o most_o beautiful_a on_o every_o part_n have_v a_o meet_a access_n to_o it_o by_o land_n except_o towards_o the_o east_n on_o which_o side_n without_o boat_n there_o be_v no_o come_n to_o it_o on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o it_o run_v the_o river_n nene_n etc._n etc._n and_o these_o be_v the_o limit_n of_o the_o possession_n pool_n fen_n lake_n fishing_n land_n etc._n etc._n which_o king_n wolphere_n give_v thereto_o that_o the_o monk_n therein_o place_v may_v free_o serve_v godâ—_n viz._n from_o medeshamstede_n to_o norburch_n and_o thence_o to_o a_o place_n call_v folly_n thence_o direct_o through_o the_o main_a fen_n to_o esendic_n and_o from_o esendic_n to_o the_o place_n which_o they_o call_v fethermute_v thence_o directy_n to_o cuggedic_n ten_o mile_n distant_a ☜_o thence_o to_o raggewiâ—c_n five_o mile_n to_o the_o principal_a stream_n which_o go_v to_o elm_n and_o wisebeche_n and_o thence_o for_o the_o space_n of_o three_o mile_n up_o the_o say_v principal_a stream_n to_o trochenholt_n thence_o direct_o through_o the_o vast_a fen_n to_o derevorde_n in_o length_n xx_o mile_n thence_o to_o grecescros_n thence_o by_o a_o fair_a current_n call_v beadan_n ea_fw-la six_o mile_n to_o paccelode_n and_o so_o through_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o lake_n and_o spacious_a fen_n in_o huntendonshire_n together_o with_o the_o pool_n and_o lake_n call_v scelfremere_n and_o witlesmere_n and_o several_a other_o to_o they_o belong_v as_o also_o with_o the_o land_n and_o house_n which_o do_v lie_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o scelfremere_n and_o all_o within_o the_o fen_n to_o medeshamstede_n and_o thence_o to_o welmesford_n and_o so_o to_o clive_n and_o estune_n and_o from_o estune_n to_o stanforde_n and_o thence_o as_o the_o river_n run_v to_o norburch_n before-specified_n but_o touch_v the_o improvement_n make_v here_o by_o bank_v and_o drayn_v i_o find_v little_a in_o particular_a till_o of_o late_a time_n whereof_o i_o shall_v speak_v anon_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a corner_n towards_o the_o high_a land_n which_o the_o fresh_a water_n for_o want_n of_o a_o clear_a and_o perfect_a evacuation_n overflow_v the_o bank_n and_o sewer_n conduce_v to_o the_o exsiccation_n thereof_o have_v be_v cut_v from_o the_o river_n nene_n through_o cambridgshire_n towards_o their_o most_o ancient_a and_o natural_a out-fall_a at_o wisebeche_n chap._n liii_o observation_n upon_o the_o commission_n and_o statute_n of_o sewer_n have_v now_o do_v with_o those_o particular_a endeavour_n of_o bank_v and_o drayn_v within_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o great_a level_n in_o order_n to_o the_o better_n that_o surround_v part_n of_o the_o country_n i_o come_v last_o to_o speak_v of_o that_o eminent_a and_o signal_n undertake_v viz._n the_o general_a win_n thereof_o by_o bank_n and_o sewer_n a_o work_n certain_o of_o no_o less_o honour_n to_o the_o first_o adventurer_n therein_o than_o beneficial_a to_o the_o present_a and_o future_a age._n but_o before_o i_o begin_v therewith_o it_o will_v be_v proper_a i_o conceive_v by_o way_n of_o preparation_n thereto_o to_o make_v some_o short_a observation_n upon_o the_o ancient_a commission_n and_o most_o notable_a statute_n of_o sewer_n and_o first_o touch_v the_o commission_n the_o antiquity_n and_o extent_n whereof_o do_v sufficient_o appear_v in_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n i_o shall_v brief_o note_v first_o that_o the_o king_n ratione_fw-la dignitatis_fw-la suae_fw-la regiae_n ad_fw-la providendum_fw-la salvationi_fw-la regni_fw-la svi_fw-la circumquaque_fw-la fuit_fw-la astrictus_fw-la etc._n etc._n for_o those_o be_v the_o word_n therein_o be_v by_o the_o prerogative_n of_o his_o crown_n oblige_v to_o see_v and_o foresee_v to_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o realm_n 8._o second_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o they_o the_o commissioner_n may_v enforce_v the_o neglecter_n of_o their_o duty_n by_o distress_n of_o their_o good_n and_o likewise_o fine_a and_o imprison_v the_o dissobeyer_n of_o their_o order_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o word_n viz._n ad_fw-la
the_o first_o presentment_n or_o judgement_n to_o charge_v every_o man_n in_o particular_a according_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o his_o land_n 3._o that_o they_o have_v not_o power_n to_o commit_v to_o prison_n person_n refractory_a to_o their_o order_n and_o last_o that_o action_n of_o trespass_n false_a imprisonment_n and_o other_o process_n at_o the_o common_a law_n have_v bâ—en_o bring_v against_o some_o of_o their_o officer_n for_o execute_v their_o decree_n and_o warrant_n their_o lordship_n find_v in_o their_o wisdom_n that_o it_o can_v neither_o stand_v with_o law_n nor_o common_a reason_n that_o in_o case_n of_o such_o great_a consequence_n the_o law_n can_v be_v so_o void_a of_o providence_n as_o to_o restrain_v the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n for_o make_v of_o new_a work_n to_o withstand_v the_o fury_n of_o the_o water_n aswell_o as_o to_o repair_v the_o old_a where_o necessity_n do_v require_v it_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o country_n or_o to_o lay_v a_o charge_n upon_o the_o town_n or_o hundred_o in_o general_a that_o be_v interest_v in_o the_o benefit_n or_o loss_n without_o attend_v a_o particular_a survey_n and_o admeasurement_n of_o acre_n when_o the_o service_n be_v to_o have_v speedy_a and_o sudden_a execution_n or_o that_o a_o commission_n that_o be_v of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n and_o of_o so_o great_a use_n to_o the_o common_a wealth_n and_o evident_a necessity_n and_o of_o so_o ancient_a jurisdiction_n both_o before_o the_o statute_n and_o since_o shall_v want_v mean_n of_o coercion_n for_o obedience_n to_o their_o order_n and_o decreesâ—_n whereas_o upon_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o the_o preservation_n of_o many_o thousand_o of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n life_n good_n and_o land_n do_v depend_v and_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o direct_a frustrate_v and_o overthrow_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n if_o the_o commissioner_n their_o officer_n and_o minister_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o every_o suit_n at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o delinquent_n in_o his_o majesty_n court_n of_o the_o common_a law_n and_o so_o to_o weary_a and_o discourage_v all_o man_n from_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o that_o behalf_n for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a and_o the_o supreme_a reason_n above_o all_o viz._n the_o salvation_n of_o the_o king_n and_o people_n do_v order_n that_o the_o person_n former_o commit_v by_o that_o board_n for_o theâ—r_a contempt_n concern_v that_o cause_n shall_v stand_v commit_v until_o they_o do_v release_v or_o sufficient_o discharge_v such_o action_n suit_n and_o demand_n as_o they_o do_v bring_v at_o the_o common_a law_n against_o the_o say_a commissioner_n of_o sewer_n or_o any_o their_o officer_n etc._n etc._n the_o opinion_n of_o sir_n henry_n hobart_n knight_n b._n attorney_n general_a to_o king_n james_n touch_v the_o make_n of_o new_a drayn_n the_o case_n of_o the_o new_a drayn_n make_v in_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n and_o the_o taxation_n set_v for_o the_o same_o be_v thus_o 1_o that_o the_o ground_n now_o seek_v by_o these_o new_a sewer_n to_o be_v win_v and_o drain_v be_v such_o as_o natural_o and_o ancient_o be_v dry_a ground_n and_o not_o continual_o overflow_v so_o as_o they_o be_v true_o land_n and_o not_o water_n and_o be_v still_o to_o this_o day_n dry_a half_a the_o year_n and_o sometime_o in_o good_a year_n long_o 2._o next_o that_o there_o have_v be_v always_o notorious_a and_o common_a drayn_n maintain_v at_o public_a charge_n for_o the_o convey_n away_o of_o the_o water_n in_o time_n of_o downfall_n or_o other_o overflow_v 3._o three_o that_o the_o say_v ancient_a drayn_n can_v now_o possible_o be_v they_o never_o so_o well_o maintain_v drain_v the_o country_n because_o their_o conveyance_n whilst_o they_o be_v in_o use_n be_v into_o the_o sea_n run_v out_o at_o wisbeche_n from_o whence_o the_o sea_n be_v now_o depart_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n now_o to_o carry_v these_o water_n to_o the_o sea_n but_o by_o lynne_n haven_n to_o which_o therefore_o these_o work_n be_v make_v to_o carry_v they_o ¶_o the_o case_n i_o say_v stand_v thus_o in_o all_o these_o part_n i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o the_o law_n of_o sewer_n late_o make_v for_o these_o new_a work_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o commission_n of_o sewer_n and_o that_o a_o tax_n may_v be_v set_v aswell_o for_o the_o make_n and_o maintain_v of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o statute_n and_o commission_n as_o it_o may_v have_v be_v for_o the_o old_a if_o they_o have_v remain_v still_o in_o use_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o of_o mind_n plain_o that_o though_o it_o may_v seâ—m_v still_o within_o the_o power_n of_o the_o commission_n by_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o to_o maintain_v the_o old_a sewer_n yet_o the_o commissioner_n can_v now_o enforce_v the_o maintenance_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v no_o long_o indeed_o sewer_n nor_o benefit_n nor_o damage_n can_v arise_v by_o they_o for_o sewer_n be_v make_v and_o maintain_v for_o the_o land_n and_o not_o the_o land_n for_o the_o sewer_n on_o the_o contrary_a when_o they_o fail_v reason_n teach_v and_o necessity_n enforce_v some_o other_o remedy_n be_v find_v in_o supply_n of_o it_o and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o commission_n have_v it_o plain_o that_o give_v power_n in_o one_o clause_n to_o make_v necessary_a and_o behooveful_a law_n for_o the_o safeguard_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o land_n lie_v to_o the_o premise_n which_o premise_n be_v restrain_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o the_o sewer_n yet_o the_o land_n lie_v to_o they_o must_v be_v understand_v the_o landâ—_n about_o they_o or_o for_o which_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o serve_v so_o that_o the_o safeguard_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o land_n be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o the_o commission_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v preserve_v by_o the_o old_a sewer_n be_v by_o this_o clause_n to_o be_v preserve_v at_o largeâ—_n that_o be_v as_o best_a may_v be_v and_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v be_v find_v necessary_a and_o behooveful_a which_o word_n and_o meaning_n be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o case_n henry_n hubbert_n nor_o do_v we_o want_v example_n of_o great_a antiquity_n for_o such_o new_a cut_n and_o drayn_n the_o name_n of_o divers_a which_o to_o this_o day_n continue_v manifest_v the_o same_o as_o 1._o new-ditch_n alias_o lent_n hirne_v in_o wisebeche_n 2._o newdike_n in_o burial_n field_n in_o welle_v 3._o newdike_n in_o witlesey_n a_o very_a fair_a sewer_n newdraine_n there_o also_o xx_o foot_n wide_o 4._o newdrayne_n from_o croyland_n to_o spalding_n 5._o newdike_n alias_o sandy_a dyke_n there_o also_o 6._o newdike_n in_o neatmore_n in_o upwell_n 7._o new-leame_a there_o fifty_o foot_n wide_o 8._o and_o new-leame_a in_o chateriz_n and_o march_n nay_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o even_o the_o great_a river_n themselves_o have_v for_o the_o like_a respect_n be_v divert_v from_o their_o ancient_a and_o natural_a channel_n for_o 1._o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n ouse_n its_o outfall_n by_o wisbeche_n decay_v be_v not_o only_o cut_v straight_o but_o by_o a_o new_a river_n make_v from_o littleport_n chair_n to_o rebbech_n be_v let_v fall_n into_o ouse_n parva_fw-la or_o brandon_n water_n and_o thence_o by_o salter_n load_n to_o lynne_n haven_n its_o former_a course_n from_o littleport_n be_v by_o wellenhee_o to_o welle_v and_o so_o to_o the_o north_n sea_n at_o wisbeche_n 2._o the_o west-water_n a_o part_n of_o ouse_n magna_fw-la have_v its_o course_n from_o erith_n bridge_n to_o chateriz_n ferry_n and_o thence_o to_o benwick_n and_o so_o to_o march_v be_v for_o the_o crookedness_n of_o the_o way_n convey_v by_o a_o new_a passage_n call_v the_o leame_z through_o chateriz_n dodington_n and_o march_v and_o thence_o by_o elm_n leame_z to_o wisbeche_v a_o course_n of_o xuj_o mile_n and_o so_o continue_v all_o this_o way_n 3._o moreton_n nene_n the_o worthy_a bishop_n of_o ely_n in_o the_o time_n of_o k._n h._n 7._o to_o avoid_v the_o many_o and_o crooked_a passage_n in_o the_o river_n of_o nene_n between_o peterburgh_n and_o the_o sea_n by_o the_o way_n drown_v many_o thousand_o of_o acre_n out_o of_o the_o whole_a ground_n make_v a_o new_a river_n now_o call_v morton_n leame_z or_o the_o new_a leame_z xl_o foot_n wide_o and_o 4_o foot_n or_o more_o deep_a viz._n from_o stanground_n steafe_n to_o guyhirne_n be_v a_o course_n of_o twelve_o mile_n long_o at_o the_o least_o and_o continue_v the_o same_o through_o wisbecheâ—_n â—_z for_o the_o more_o speedy_a delivery_n of_o the_o water_n attempt_v to_o cut_v through_o the_o sea-dike_a to_o wisbeche_v at_o bevys-crosse_n and_o again_o at_o eastfields_n end_n nigh_o the_o horse-shoe_n in_o leverington_n which_o bank_n be_v in_o less_o than_o thirty_o year_n before_o ordain_v by_o commission_n to_o be_v maintain_v id_fw-la
est_fw-la from_o the_o first_o slope_n of_o the_o bank_n fifty_o foot_n high_a and_o so_o make_v a_o new_a outfall_n from_o wisbeche_n to_o the_o 4_o goat_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o sea_n 4._o a_o branch_n of_o nene_n usual_o pass_v from_o peterburgh_n to_o crowland_n and_o so_o to_o spalding_n that_o outfall_n decay_v be_v turn_v back_o by_o dowesdale_n with_o the_o south_n i_fw-mi to_o wisbeche_n and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n 5._o a_o great_a part_n of_o ouse_n and_o nene_n unite_v descend_v from_o benwick_n by_o great-crosse_n to_o wisbeche_v but_o wisbeche_v outfall_n decay_v they_o both_o fall_n by_o march_n to_o welle_v and_o so_o into_o ouse_n at_o salter_n load_n 6._o the_o water_n of_o welle_v be_v by_o a_o short_a cut_n convey_v under_o broken-dyke_n by_o hichcock_n dam_n to_o elm_n floodgate_n the_o old_a way_n lie_v through_o enm_v by_o the_o wroe_n 7._o the_o river_n of_o elm_n run_v by_o divers_a crook_n from_o elm_n to_o wisbechâ—_n be_v cut_v straight_o and_o the_o water_n pass_v by_o a_o short_a course_n as_o by_o the_o old_a channel_n on_o both_o side_n the_o new_a river_n may_v yet_o be_v see_v 8._o the_o river_n in_o wisbeche_n a_o little_a above_o the_o great_a bridge_n within_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n run_v crooked_a be_v cut_v straight_o and_o so_o to_o this_o day_n continue_v 9_o the_o river_n of_o clows-crosse_a be_v crooked_a at_o either_o end_n be_v in_o the_o upper_a end_n convey_v by_o willow-dike_a straight_o to_o grain_n hill_n and_o in_o the_o low_a end_n rectify_v by_o a_o new_a cut_n the_o old_a channel_n be_v forsake_v weland_n 10._o ingulphus_n in_o his_o history_n of_o crouland_n make_v mention_v how_o richard_n de_fw-fr rullos_n chamberlain_n to_o king_n william_n the_o conqueror_n have_v marry_v the_o daughter_n of_o hugh_n de_fw-fr evermue_n lord_n of_o burne_n and_o depe_v for_o the_o inlargment_n of_o his_o town_n of_o depe_v divert_v the_o river_n of_o weland_n et_fw-la in_o pratis_fw-la quae_fw-la erant_fw-la nuper_fw-la profundi_fw-la lacus_fw-la &_o paludes_fw-la immeabiles_fw-la excluso_fw-la fluvio_fw-la invenit_fw-la campos_fw-la uberimos_fw-la &_o terram_fw-la desiderabilem_fw-la &_o de_fw-la puteis_fw-la &_o uliginibus_fw-la maledictis_fw-la fecit_fw-la hortum_fw-la voluptatis_fw-la and_o in_o the_o meadow_n which_o before_o be_v deep_a lake_n and_o drown_a fen_n by_o exclude_v the_o river_n he_o find_v they_o fruitful_a field_n and_o as_o good_a ground_n as_o can_v be_v wish_v nay_o of_o the_o very_a pit_n and_o bog_n he_o thereby_o make_v a_o garden_n of_o pleasure_n moreover_o the_o same_o river_n of_o weland_n have_v ancient_o its_o course_n by_o spalding_n through_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o outfall_n thâ—re_o a_o great_a part_n thereof_o sometime_o fall_v through_o grâ—at_a posson_n and_o so_o out_o by_o quaplode_n but_o that_o out-fall_a also_o decay_v as_o most_o outfall_n over_o the_o washes_n have_v and_o still_o will_v do_v that_o way_n be_v stop_v up_o and_o the_o river_n drive_v to_o seek_v a_o course_n in_o a_o very_a faint_a manner_n by_o south_n i_fw-mi towards_o wisbeche_n where_o again_o through_o the_o defect_n of_o wisbeche_n outfall_n when_o it_o meet_v with_o the_o nene_n at_o the_o new_a leam_n end_v at_o guyhirne_n they_o both_o turn_v back_o under_o waltersey_n bank_n to_o hobbes_n and_o so_o to_o march_n stream_n and_o there_o meet_v with_o the_o great_a branch_n of_o nene_n come_v to_o welle_v and_o so_o to_o salter_n load_n which_o river_n also_o as_o say_v leland_n by_o a_o short_a way_n call_v the_o new_a drayne_n be_v put_v from_o croyland_n to_o spalding_n as_o now_o it_o go_v 12._o grant_n the_o river_n of_o grant_n by_o a_o fair_a channel_n pass_v from_o beech_n to_o charefen_n in_o cottenham_n and_o so_o into_o ouse_n be_v divert_v and_o by_o a_o straight_a course_n turn_v down_o by_o another_o branch_n of_o the_o same_o river_n to_o harrimere_n where_o it_o lose_v the_o name_n 13._o last_o new_a eegate_n in_o gosberchurch_n find_v through_o the_o marsh_n another_o outfall_n but_o because_o it_o be_v not_o so_o convenient_a as_o the_o first_o the_o jurat_n as_o the_o record_n say_v b._n requisiti_fw-la si_fw-la cursus_fw-la aquae_fw-la quam_fw-la nunc_fw-la tenet_fw-la sit_fw-la sufficiens_fw-la ad_fw-la eductionem_fw-la &_o deliberationem_fw-la aquae_fw-la dicunt_fw-la qoud_a â—ic_n sed_fw-la dicunt_fw-la qoud_n antiquus_fw-la cursus_fw-la plus_fw-la competeret_fw-la &_o utilior_fw-la esset_fw-la quam_fw-la cursus_fw-la quam_fw-la nunc_fw-la tenet_fw-la eo_fw-la qoud_n minoribus_fw-la sumptibus_fw-la reparari_fw-la poterit_fw-la directè_fw-la currendo_fw-la quam_fw-la longè_fw-la per_fw-la cirevitum_fw-la &_o in_fw-la obliquo_fw-la &_o citius_fw-la aqua_fw-la per_fw-la ibi_fw-la deliberari_fw-la be_v ask_v if_o the_o channel_n wherein_o that_o water_n than_o run_v be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o carry_v it_o away_o they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v but_o they_o far_o say_v that_o the_o ancient_a current_n thereof_o will_v be_v more_o fit_a and_o beneficial_a than_o it_o in_o regard_n it_o may_v be_v repair_v at_o less_o charge_n by_o run_v straight_o than_o to_o go_v about_o by_o a_o long_a circuit_n and_o the_o water_n much_o soon_o evacuate_v and_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n the_o jurat_n have_v often_o propose_v to_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n short_a way_n to_o pass_v water_n as_o from_o leonard_n pipe_n to_o the_o four_o goat_n for_o the_o water_n on_o wisbeche_n north_n side_n and_o a_o new_a drayn_n xx_o foot_n wide_a by_o a_o short_a way_n from_o new_a dike_a in_o witlesey_n lineal_o to_o the_o great_a river_n on_o the_o north_n of_o wing_n lake_n and_o many_o more_o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o a_o word_n most_o of_o the_o new_a course_n propose_v for_o the_o general_a drain_n be_v of_o that_o kind_n chap._n liv._o for_o the_o general_a drayn_n of_o the_o great_a level_n it_o have_v be_v a_o long_o receive_v opinion_n aswell_o by_o the_o borderer_n upon_o the_o fen_n as_o other_o that_o the_o total_a drown_n of_o this_o great_a level_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o our_o time_n be_v eye_n witness_n have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v occasion_v by_o the_o neglect_n of_o put_v the_o law_n of_o sewer_n in_o due_a execution_n in_o these_o latter_a time_n and_o that_o before_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o monastery_n by_o king_n h._n 8._o the_o passage_n for_o the_o water_n be_v keep_v with_o cleanse_v and_o the_o bank_n with_o better_a repair_n chief_o through_o the_o care_n and_o cost_v of_o those_o religious_a house_n it_o can_v i_o confess_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o open_n and_o scour_v of_o those_o many_o petty_a drayne_n and_o sewer_n which_o ancient_o have_v be_v make_v by_o sundry_a person_n for_o the_o better_a drayn_n of_o their_o own_o particular_a land_n may_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o soon_o take_v away_o of_o these_o vast_a spreading_n of_o water_n in_o the_o summer_n season_n but_o whole_o to_o clear_v they_o be_v impossible_a without_o the_o perfect_a open_n and_o cleanse_v of_o their_o natural_a outfall_n which_o the_o daily_a flow_v of_o the_o tide_n have_v choke_v up_o with_o so_o great_a a_o thickness_n of_o silt_n as_o in_o the_o xxxviith_o chapter_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o have_v full_o show_v in_o order_n whereunto_o the_o first_o considerable_a attempt_n whereof_o i_o have_v see_v any_o notable_a memorial_n be_v in_o 20_o eliz._n the_o queen_n then_o grant_v her_o commission_n to_o sir_n thomas_n cecil_n scaâ—c_fw-la sir_n william_n fitzwilliams_n sir_n edward_n montagu_n and_o sir_n henry_n cromwell_n knight_n robert_z sapcott_n robâ—_n winfeld_n william_n hunstone_n edmund_n hall_n robert_n bevell_n vincent_n skinner_n and_o john_n mountsteve_v esquire_n and_o to_o any_o four_o or_o more_o of_o they_o to_o proceed_v according_a to_o these_o follow_a article_n entitle_v article_n to_o be_v inquire_v on_o by_o the_o commissioner_n for_o the_o drayn_n of_o the_o fen_n through_o and_o by_o the_o drayn_n call_v clowse_n cross_n and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n 1._o to_o cause_n a_o perfect_a level_n to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o same_o drayn_n throughout_o all_o place_n convenient_a from_o the_o clowecrosse_a to_o the_o sea_n 2._o item_n to_o inquire_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o workman_n or_o otherwise_o how_o a_o perch_n of_o the_o same_o may_v be_v wrought_v and_o so_o consequent_o what_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o whole_a will_v amount_v unto_o 3._o item_n how_o that_o charge_n may_v be_v most_o easy_o bear_v and_o by_o who_o and_o how_o the_o same_o may_v be_v rate_v by_o the_o acre_n or_o otherwise_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o charge_v the_o owner_n of_o the_o ground_n in_o severalty_n with_o more_o and_o the_o commoner_n with_o less_o ratable_o according_a to_o their_o portion_n 4._o item_n to_o inquire_v and_o certify_v the_o quantity_n of_o the_o ground_n that_o be_v several_a and_o the_o ground_n that_o lie_v in_o common_a 5._o item_n the_o name_n of_o the_o town_n
all_o the_o way_n over_o sutton_n fen_n by_o i_fw-mi fen_n many_o fen_n and_o westmore_n to_o wellney_n turf_n ground_n all_o red_a moor._n and_o likewise_o to_o cotehirne_v nigh_o frank_n dike_v end_n so_o till_o within_o lx_o rod_n where_o at_o â—ive_a foot_n it_o be_v mix_v silt_n and_o at_o the_o water_n side_n day_n the_o like_a for_o 60_o to_o 80_o rod_n over_o welln_v i_fw-mi green_fw-mi and_o after_o right_n over_o to_o maid_n load_n at_o the_o head_n of_o mr._n skipwiths_n ground_n all_o vile_a moor_n by_o the_o whole_a tract_n after_o this_o viz._n upon_o the_o 22_o of_o april_n next_o follow_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n by_o their_o letter_n a._n to_o the_o before-specified_n commissioner_n 1605._o desire_v they_o to_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v all_o such_o person_n as_o have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o general_a good_a which_o be_v like_a to_o come_v to_o this_o drayn_n shall_v oppose_v it_o or_o use_v mean_n to_o other_o so_o to_o do_v or_o otherwise_o to_o enjoin_v they_o to_o attend_v the_o say_a council_n and_o whereas_o some_o of_o the_o commissioner_n intend_v the_o advantage_n to_o some_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o country_n doubt_v the_o success_n of_o the_o general_a work_n have_v make_v a_o order_n touch_v that_o of_o clow_n across_o only_a the_o say_v lord_n by_o this_o letter_n do_v command_v they_o not_o to_o proceed_v therein_o till_o it_o shall_v be_v discern_v what_o success_n the_o general_a undertake_n will_v have_v upon_o receipt_n of_o which_o letter_n the_o say_a commissioner_n meet_v at_o huntendon_n the_o xixth_o of_o may_n ensue_v make_v this_o return_n b._n to_o that_o honourable_a board_n viz._n that_o after_o long_a debate_n and_o all_o objection_n hear_v they_o conclude_v with_o one_o consent_n that_o this_o work_n of_o drayn_v be_v fesible_a and_o without_o any_o peril_n to_o any_o haven_n or_o county_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o that_o they_o do_v reckon_v it_o the_o most_o noble_a work_n for_o the_o say_a lord_n to_o further_o and_o most_o beneficial_a to_o the_o country_n interest_v to_o have_v good_a by_o that_o ever_o be_v take_v in_o hand_n of_o that_o kind_n in_o those_o day_n refer_v more_o particular_a relation_n concern_v it_o to_o the_o beforementioned_a mr._n hunt_n and_o mr._n totnallâ—_n â—_z the_o bearer_n of_o those_o letter_n the_o commissioner_n name_v subscribe_v thereto_o be_v there_o viz._n oliver_n cromwell_n robert_n bevyll_n john_n cutts_n john_n cotton_n robert_n wingfield_n robert_n cotton_n simeon_n steward_n richard_n cox_n henry_n spelman_n anthony_n forest._n thomas_n lambert_n robert_n cromwell_n anthony_n ireby_n thomas_n ogle_n christopher_n hudson_n william_n styrmyn_n john_n fyncham_n william_n martial_n whereupon_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a view_n b._n of_o the_o whole_a level_n begin_v on_o the_o xxith_o of_o june_n next_o follow_v by_o sir_n robert_n bevill_n sir_n robert_n wingfield_n sir_n john_n gamlyn_n â—uniâ—_n sir_n richard_n cox_n and_o sir_n anthony_n forest_n knight_n christopher_n hodson_n and_o matthew_n robinson_n esquire_n and_o thus_o certify_v as_o follow_v first_o we_o repair_v to_o the_o out-fall_a to_o the_o sea_n at_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o two_o river_n of_o weland_n and_o glen_n where_o we_o find_v the_o say_v out-fall_a reasonable_a good_a thence_o to_o cowhyrne_n and_o pikebridg_n and_o so_o to_o spalding_n bridge_n in_o all_o which_o passage_n we_o find_v the_o river_n very_o defective_a in_o breadth_n and_o depth_n and_o from_o cowhyrn_n to_o spalding_n bridge_n a_o great_a bank_n lie_v on_o either_o side_n the_o river_n from_o spalding_n bridge_n to_o willow_n row_n end_n by_o cubbet_n and_o peakell_n to_o white_a house_n the_o river_n all_o along_o be_v defective_a as_o abovesaid_a have_v a_o great_a elbow_n by_o cubbet_n and_o peakell_n which_o much_o hinder_v its_o course_n to_o the_o out-fall_a from_o white_a house_n to_o crowland_n and_o by_o the_o cross_n in_o the_o ea_fw-la to_o waldram_n hall_n the_o like_a defect_n of_o breadth_n and_o depth_n appear_v as_o aforesaid_a 22._o from_o peterborough_n bridge_n to_o the_o old_a ea_fw-la and_o catts-water_n which_o ancient_a sewer_n be_v so_o grow_v up_o with_o earth_n and_o weed_n as_o that_o it_o serve_v neither_o for_o passage_n with_o boat_n nor_o drayn_v and_o so_o have_v be_v of_o long_a time_n which_o ought_v and_o have_v wont_a to_o be_v for_o the_o ordinary_a passage_n to_o and_o from_o spalding_n and_o other_o place_n in_o holland_n to_o peterburrow_n thence_o to_o stanground_n steafe_n where_o we_o find_v the_o river_n sufficient_a for_o breadth_n and_o depth_n thence_o to_o guy_n hirne_n in_o all_o which_o passage_n we_o find_v wonderful_a defect_n in_o breadth_n and_o depth_n from_o thence_o to_o wisbeche_v and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n in_o all_o which_o passage_n we_o find_v the_o like_a defect_n 24._o from_o thence_o by_o elm_n river_n to_o frydaybridge_n and_o so_o by_o bishop_n dike_a to_o lakebridge_n thence_o to_o shrewesnest_n by_o welle_v river_n where_o we_o take_v boat_n perceive_v at_o shrewesnest_n that_o the_o river_n of_o nene_n which_o come_v from_o the_o mare_n have_v but_o six_o mile_n to_o salter_n load_n to_o pass_v by_o welle_v but_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o quar_n of_o the_o say_a channel_n a_o great_a part_n thereof_o run_v from_o shrewesnest_n to_o salter_n load_n by_o welleney_n litleport_n chair_n and_o sotherey_n ferrey_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v 28_o mile_n and_o that_o the_o river_n through_o welle_v can_v be_v convenient_o amend_v ea._n to_o remedy_v which_o mr._n hunt_n desire_v that_o a_o new_a river_n of_o 80_o foot_n wide_a and_o 8_o foot_n deep_o be_v make_v from_o march_n river_n at_o the_o ham_n cross_a marmound_n etc._n etc._n through_o netemore_n to_o fall_v into_o welle_v river_n near_o london_n load_n between_o shrewesn_a and_o forweare_v we_o find_v a_o place_n call_v the_o ham_n not_o above_o two_o foot_n deep_a about_o 4_o mile_n from_o shrew_n nest_n be_v elm_n leame_z which_o be_v a_o sewer_n go_v from_o march_n river_n to_o friday_n bridge_n through_o elm_n river_n to_o wisbeche_v which_o sewer_n be_v land_v up_o thence_o we_o come_v to_o march_z leame_z about_o a_o mile_n and_o half_a short_a of_o march_n bridge_n which_o be_v much_o decay_v to_o the_o great_a hindrance_n of_o navigation_n from_o st._n ives_n to_o wisbeche_n and_o for_o the_o drayn_n of_o all_o the_o ground_n betwixt_o chateriz_n ferrey_n and_o march_v river_n and_o at_o march_n bridge_n on_o either_o side_n we_o find_v divers_a gravels_n which_o do_v stop_v the_o course_n of_o the_o river_n thence_o to_o great-crosse_n 3_o mile_n above_o march_n bridge_n and_o so_o through_o ramsey_n ugge_n and_o witlesey_n mere_n thence_o to_o farset_n bridge_n about_o xvij_o foot_n broad_a thence_o etc._n etc._n to_o peterborow_n from_o peterborow_n to_o yaxley_n load_n 25._o thence_o to_o ramsey_n load_n along_o the_o skirt_n of_o the_o upland_n thence_o to_o erith_n brigg_n where_o mr._n hunt_n disire_v a_o new_a river_n from_o the_o first_o corner_n of_o the_o west_n water_n beneath_o the_o say_a bridge_n to_o begin_v in_o midlemore_n fen_n near_o to_o the_o several_n and_o so_o to_o go_v line_n right_a unto_o wellenhey-river_n nigh_o sprall_n be_v and_o thence_o line_n right_a to_o the_o fall_n into_o ouse_n at_o the_o end_n of_o maid_n load_n or_o at_o some_o apt_a place_n between_o that_o and_o salter_n load_n which_o river_n or_o rivers_n to_o contain_v in_o breadth_n 120_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n 8_o foot_n and_o for_o preservation_n of_o the_o navigation_n to_o and_o from_o st._n ives_n to_o cambridge_n and_o linne_n as_o also_o to_o wisbeche_v he_o think_v it_o necessary_a that_o divers_a other_o sluice_n be_v make_v viz._n one_o in_o the_o ouse_n near_o the_o hermitage_n one_o in_o the_o west_n water_n near_o to_o the_o new_a river_n to_o stop_v the_o water_n from_o run_v to_o benwick_n and_o for_o navigation_n drayn_v of_o huntingdon_n fen_n ground_n between_o it_o and_o the_o upland_n ground_n and_o other_o necessary_a use_n and_o so_o many_o sluice_n at_o the_o end_n as_o the_o say_a river_n shall_v be_v divide_v into_o part_n which_o he_o think_v to_o make_v into_o 3_o river_n of_o xl_o foot_n a_o piece_n 26._o thence_o we_o come_v to_o over_n aldrich-causey_n haddenham_n grunty_n fen_n and_o so_o to_o ely_n in_o ely_n town_n we_o observe_v that_o the_o water_n be_v but_o 14_o inch_n deep_a and_o upon_o the_o hards_n 18_o inch_n and_o in_o some_o place_n 2_o foot_n thence_o we_o pass_v by_o water_n to_o sotherey_n and_o prick-willow_n where_o mildenhall_n river_n fall_v into_o ouse_n and_o between_o ely_n and_o littleport_n chair_n we_o observe_v that_o the_o say_a river_n of_o ouse_n be_v so_o crooked_a that_o the_o make_v a_o new_a river_n from_o erith_n bridge_n through_o sutton_n
beryall_a and_o westmore_n fen_n to_o wellenhey_n river_n and_o thence_o through_o certain_a fen_n of_o norfolk_n into_o the_o ouse_n about_o maid_n load_n will_v be_v most_o necessary_a and_o that_o without_o so_o do_v the_o fen_n can_v never_o be_v drayn_v thence_o we_o go_v to_o rebbech_n where_o brandon_n river_n alias_o ouse_n parva_fw-la fall_v into_o ouse_n near_o priest_n house_n thence_o to_o sotherey_n and_o modney_n thence_o to_o helgay_n bridge_n thence_o to_o fordham_n thence_o to_o salter_n load_n where_o nene_n fall_v into_o ouse_n which_o be_v a_o very_a great_a descent_n viz._n ten_o foot_n from_o the_o soil_n of_o the_o fen_n to_o the_o low_a water_n mark_v beside_o the_o natural_a descent_n of_o the_o fen-ground_n from_o the_o upland_n of_o huntingdon-shire_n thither_o thence_o to_o wisbeche_v 27._o thence_o to_o tower_n house_n and_o so_o to_o hobbs_n house_n where_o we_o observe_v that_o plantwater_n which_o come_v out_o of_o nene_n at_o great_a cross_n to_o the_o say_v hobbs_n house_n with_o staven_n ea_fw-la which_o be_v wont_a to_o run_v to_o tower_n house_n and_o so_o to_o wisbeche_v do_v now_o run_v from_o hobbs_n house_n by_o hunster_n stone_n through_o hobbs_n dike_v into_o march_n river_n thence_o we_o go_v to_o march_n and_o dodington_n and_o between_o dodington_n and_o chateriz_n there_o be_v a_o small_a load_n besselinge_n load_n which_o run_v through_o a_o low_a marish_a fenn_n thence_o to_o chateriz_n town_n end_n where_o there_o be_v a_o sewer_n call_v chateriz_v leame_z grow_v from_o the_o west-water_n at_o chateriz_n ferry_n unto_o dodington_n weel_z thence_o to_o mephall_n and_o there_o see_v mephall_n load_n which_o run_v from_o sutton_n load_n thence_o by_o water_n to_z cambridge_z in_o which_o passage_n we_o take_v notice_n that_o harrymere_n gravel_n be_v a_o great_a mean_n of_o the_o overflow_a of_o grant_n as_o also_o of_o burwell_n load_n swaffham_n load_n and_o botesham_n load_n all_o which_o do_v fall_v into_o grant_n upon_o this_o view_n mr._n hunt_v who_o be_v the_o artist_n for_o the_o drayn_n represent_v a._n to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n what_o cut_v bank_n sluice_n clow_n etc._n etc._n will_v be_v in_o his_o judgement_n far_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o perfect_a this_o work_n all_o which_o they_o signify_v under_o their_o hand_n to_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n together_o with_o their_o opinion_n how_o much_o it_o will_v tend_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o enrich_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o decline_v in_o regard_n of_o shortness_n of_o time_n to_o give_v any_o estimate_n of_o the_o charge_n thereof_o or_o upon_o what_o condition_n it_o will_v be_v meet_a to_o take_v it_o in_o hand_n and_o upon_o the_o xxiiiith_o day_n of_o the_o same_o month_n 1605._o the_o king_n himself_o by_o his_o letter_n b._n bear_v date_n at_o greenwich_n take_v notice_n of_o they_o to_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o council_n as_o aforesaid_a incite_v they_o to_o fall_v in_o hand_n speedy_o with_o the_o work_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o that_o be_v a_o dry_a summer_n and_o so_o the_o more_o proper_a for_o it_o intimate_v also_o that_o for_o the_o better_a expedit_v thereof_o he_o have_v employ_v his_o chief_a justice_n popham_n to_o take_v pain_n therein_o whereupon_o such_o good_a speed_n be_v make_v that_o upon_o the_o xiiith_o of_o the_o next_o month_n this_o follow_a certificate_n be_v deliver_v in_o to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n then_o sit_v at_o wisebeche_n a._n the_o true_a content_n or_o number_n of_o acre_n in_o the_o fen_n describe_v in_o the_o general_a plot_n lie_v without_o the_o fendikes_a as_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o william_n hayward_n gent._n surveyor_n upon_o his_o oath_n at_o wisbeche_n 13_o july_n 1605._o acre_n burrough-soke_a great_a fen_n with_o some_o several_n by_o catts-water_n 1605._o 8015_o burrough_n little_a fen._n 900_o croyland_n fen_n in_o three_o piece_n 2000_o certain_a several_a fen_n and_o wet_a meadow_n lie_v in_o ely_n between_o borough_n little_a fen_n borough_n great_a fen_n and_o cat_n water_n 763_o thorney_n ground_n contain_v in_o all_o 15850_o whereof_o in_o hard_a land_n 400_o acre_n in_o fenn_n 15450_o uuisbeche_n hundred_o high_a fen_n with_o sutton_n fen_n and_o throkenholt_n several_n 8365_o ladwer_n ixwell-moore_n the_o river_n etc._n etc._n and_o other_o several_n between_o coldham_n bank_n bishop_n dike_a the_o division_n of_o march_n uuelney-river_n and_o darcey-lode_n 0740_o uuittlesey_n and_o stanground_n common_a fen_n with_o divers_a several_n and_o half_a several_n between_o the_o old_a ea_fw-la and_o thorney_n bound_n the_o division_n of_o uuisbeche_n high_a fen_n and_o dodington_n fen_n and_o from_o that_o division_n by_o the_o high_a stream_n and_o ramsey-mere_a to_o knuts_n delft_n and_o by_o that_o delft_n up_o to_o horsey_n brigg_n in_o which_o bind_v ramsey_n have_v a_o part_n of_o a_o fen_n next_o to_o ramsey_n mere_a contain_v 2800_o acre_n 24435_o other_o fen_n between_o the_o say_v delft_n the_o high_a stream_n ubmere_n uuittlesey_n mere_a and_o so_o by_o conquest_n load_n to_o pocket-holme_a and_o the_o high_a land_n 7390_o certain_a fen_n in_o huntingdonshire_n between_o the_o high_a land_n skirt_n and_o ramsey-hards_a and_o mere_a and_o the_o say_v high_a stream_n and_o conquest_n load_v 13455_o other_o fen_n of_o huntindonshire_n lie_v between_o ramsey_n mere_n the_o high_a stream_n to_o benwick_n the_o west-water_n to_o erith_n brigge_n and_o the_o skirt_n of_o the_o high_a land_n between_o the_o say_a bridge_n and_o ramsey_n hards_n 13340_o the_o fen_n of_o dodington_n cum_fw-la membris_fw-la common_a and_o several_a 32000_o honey_n fen_n in_o all_o 370._o viz._n hard_a land_n 90._o fen_n 280_o chateryz_n fen_n together_o with_o certain_a fen_n of_o sutton_n and_o byall_a fen_n with_o some_o several_n lie_v between_o the_o bound_n of_o dodington_n and_o hony_n the_o west-water_n sutton_n load_n and_o oxwillow_n load_n 20700_o sutton_n fen_n on_o the_o south_n of_o sutton_n load_n between_o the_o west-water_n haddenham_n fen_n and_o the_o harde_n of_o haddenham_n sutton_n and_o mephall_n 2910_o haddenham_n fen_n between_o the_o former_a fen_n the_o river_n of_o ouse_n wilberton_n fen_n and_o haddenham_n hard_n 3870_o willingham_n fen_n on_o the_o south_n of_o the_o ouse_n on_o the_o west_n of_o aldrey-causey_n beside_o hempsall_n on_o the_o east_n thereof_o 2920_o wilberton_n fen_n with_o part_n of_o other_o fen_n between_o the_o ouse_n and_o hard_a land_n to_z ely_z bridge_n 2790_o grunty-fen_n encompass_v with_o the_o high_a land_n 1694_o a_o fen_n more_o north_n between_o sutton_n load_n by_o coveney_n and_o the_o hard_a land_n of_o divers_a town_n compass_v it_o 3780_o downham_n wodfen_n and_o other_o fen_n between_o the_o fen_n of_o little_o port_n the_o ouse_n and_o ely_n hard-land_n to_o the_o town_n 2440_o the_o fen_n of_o littleport_n on_o both_o side_n of_o the_o ouse_n common_a and_o several_a 12660_o westmore_n south_n of_o darcey-lode_n and_o west_n of_o welney_n river_n together_o with_o divers_a several_n 15360_o certain_a fen_n ground_n common_a and_o several_a between_o welney_n river_n and_o the_o causey_n dike_v in_o upwell_n 1105_o certain_a fen_n common_a and_o several_a between_o welney_n river_n maid_n load_n the_o ouse_n and_o litleport_n ground_n 8600_o part_n of_o wisbeche_n high_a fen_n lie_v in_o waltersey_n with_o divers_a several_n 4320_o marshland-fen_n and_o many_o other_o ground_n between_o maid_n load_n and_o spalding_n river_n the_o fen_n bank_n and_o sea_n bank_n which_o will_v be_v make_v dry_a by_o the_o general_a drayn_v 4220_o the_o fen_n between_o helgay_n brigg_n and_o stoke_n brigg_n by_o the_o river_n on_o the_o southeast_n the_o high_a land_n of_o stoke_n wretton_n wereham_n dâ—reham_n and_o wroxham_n on_o the_o north_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o edmund_n skipwith_n gent._n on_o the_o west_n 2900_o the_o fen_n between_o the_o high_a ground_n of_o hocwold_n wilton_n feltwell_n methwold_n and_o northwold_n high_a land_n on_o the_o east_n soak_v river_n on_o the_o north_n the_o imbanked_a ground_n of_o helgay_n modney_n sotâ—erey_n and_o in_o part_n the_o river_n of_o ouse_n on_o the_o west_n and_o brandon_n river_n from_o priest_n house_n to_o brandon_n brigg_n 23290_o the_o fen_n between_o brandon_n river_n on_o the_o north_n the_o river_n of_o ouse_n in_o part_n and_o whelpmore_n and_o burt_n fen_n on_o the_o west_n mildenhall_n high_a land_n and_o river_n on_o the_o south_n and_o the_o high_a land_n from_o mildenhall_n to_o brandon_n 22120_o between_o mildenhall_n river_n on_o the_o north_n east_n ouse_n from_o prickwillow_n to_o ely_n brigg_n on_o the_o north_n west_n stuntney_n and_o soham_n causey_n the_o high_a ground_n of_o stuntney_n noruey_o soham_n isleham_n and_o worlington_n on_o the_o south_n and_o east_n contain_v 11780_o between_o the_o say_a causey_n and_o the_o high_a land_n of_o stuntney_n on_o the_o north_n ouse_n and_o grant_v from_o ely_n brigg_n by_o
upwere_a on_o the_o west_n wickynhie_a ground_n on_o the_o south_n and_o of_o soham_n east_n 4297_o the_o fen_n and_o low_a ground_n between_o grant_n from_o upwere_n to_o clay_n hithe_a and_o horningsey_n high_a ground_n on_o the_o west_n the_o way_n from_o quoy_fw-fr to_o eambridge_n and_o quoy_fw-fr and_o bottesham_n high_a ground_n on_o the_o southâ—_n the_o two_o swafham_n reach_v burwell_n lanward_n and_o fordham_n on_o the_o east_n and_o of_o soham_n and_o wickin_n north_n 11950_o the_o fen_n between_o the_o high_a ground_n of_o teversham_n and_o hinton_n west_n of_o fulburne_n south_n of_o great_a and_o little_a wilbram_n east_n of_o bottesham_n and_o quoy_fw-fr north_n 1240_o between_o grant_n from_o harrymere_n to_o ditton_n on_o the_o east_n of_o ouse_n from_o harrymere_n to_o aldrich_n bridge_n on_o the_o north_n hempsall_n yram_n and_o the_o high_a ground_n of_o rampton_n west_n and_o the_o high_a ground_n of_o cottenham_n and_o denney_n abbey_n south_n 9480_o hempsall_n and_o ireham_n east_n of_o aldrich_n causey_n 823_o the_o low_a ground_n from_o st._n ives_n to_o erith_n bridge_n on_o the_o south_n the_o fen_n of_o willingham_n and_o over_n on_o the_o east_n the_o high_a ground_n of_o swasey_n drayton_n and_o stanton_n on_o the_o south_n and_o the_o high_a ground_n of_o st._n ives_n west_n 3529_o the_o low_a ground_n below_o st._n ives_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o ouse_n between_o the_o say_a river_n on_o the_o south_n and_o east_n and_o the_o high_a land_n of_o bluntesham_n hallywell_n and_o st._n ives_n on_o the_o north_n and_o west_n 1871_o the_o total_a sum_n 307242_o acre_n whereupon_o the_o say_v commissioner_n sit_v 1605._o at_o wisebeche_n aforesaid_a upon_o the_o day_n and_o year_n aforesaid_a the_o lord_n chief-justice_n popham_n be_v then_o and_o there_o present_a make_v certain_a law_n â—_o and_o ordinance_n the_o extract_n whereof_o be_v as_o follow_v ordered_n first_o that_o sir_n john_n popham_n knight_n lord_n chief_a justice_n of_o england_n sir_n thomas_n fleming_n knight_n chief_a baron_n of_o the_o exchequer_n sir_n william_n rumney_n knight_n alderman_n of_o london_n and_o john_n eldred_n citizen_n and_o clothworker_n of_o london_n their_o heir_n and_o assign_v shall_v within_o the_o space_n of_o 7_o year_n next_o come_v at_o their_o own_o proper_a cost_n and_o charge_n drain_v all_o the_o fen_n and_o surround_v ground_n between_o the_o old_a course_n of_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n as_o it_o now_o run_v from_o erith_n bridge_n to_o salter_n load_n and_o depe_v and_o within_o the_o land_n eas_fw-la hereafter_o mention_v and_o convey_v the_o say_a river_n of_o ouse_n or_o the_o great_a part_n thereof_o from_o some_o place_n at_o or_o near_o erith_n bridge_n aforesaid_a unto_o such_o place_n between_o salter_n load_n and_o maiden_n load_n as_o the_o say_a undertaker_n etc._n etc._n shall_v think_v meet_a which_o conveyance_n to_o be_v make_v between_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o two_o uttermost_a bank_n 30_o pole_n at_o the_o least_o and_o the_o river_n to_o be_v 30_o foot_n wide_a and_o 8_o foot_n deep_a and_o the_o same_o utmost_a bank_n to_o be_v each_o of_o they_o 30_o foot_n wide_a at_o the_o bottom_n and_o 7_o foot_n in_o height_n at_o the_o least_o and_o if_o that_o height_n will_v not_o do_v to_o carry_v away_o the_o water_n etc._n etc._n then_o to_o raise_v they_o high_o that_o the_o like_a passage_n be_v make_v at_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o fen_n near_o peterborough_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o the_o river_n nene_n from_o thence_o to_o wisbeche_v and_o so_o likewise_o for_o the_o river_n of_o weland_n from_o its_o entrance_n into_o the_o fen_n at_o waldram_n hall_n until_o it_o meet_v with_o glen_n that_o land-eas_a from_o erith_n to_o stanground_n and_o thence_o to_o waldram_n hall_n be_v make_v to_o defend_v the_o ground_n within_o they_o and_o between_o the_o say_v new_a passage_n of_o ouse_n and_o weland_n from_o the_o land_n flood_n fall_v from_o the_o upland-countreys_n which_o land_n eas_fw-la to_o be_v from_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o fence_n dike_v 6_o pole_n at_o least_o that_o a_o drain_v be_v make_v from_o salter_n load_n unto_o the_o ham_n in_o march_n river_n to_o carry_v away_o the_o water_n which_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o same_o land_n eas_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o a_o new_a bank_n be_v make_v from_o erith_n bridge_n to_o ely_n to_o defend_v the_o ground_n between_o that_o and_o the_o same_o new_a passage_n from_o the_o overflow_n of_o ouse_n as_o also_o other_o necessary_a sluice_n and_o drayn_n within_o the_o precinct_n beforementioned_a with_o bridge_n etc._n etc._n for_o passage_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o undertaker_n shall_v have_v such_o sum_n of_o money_n as_o the_o commissioner_n at_o their_o session_n shall_v think_v fit_a from_o those_o person_n who_o shall_v take_v benefit_n by_o this_o drayn_n and_o not_o contribute_v part_n of_o their_o land_n towards_o the_o charge_n thereof_o that_o the_o undertaker_n shall_v allow_v for_o the_o drain_v at_o clow_n cross_a in_o ease_n of_o this_o charge_n to_o the_o country_n that_o a_o navigable_a sluse_n be_v make_v at_o salter_n load_n and_o that_o well-creeke_n shall_v be_v enlarge_v and_o dike_v to_o london_n load_n and_o thence_o through_o neatmore_n to_o wadingstowe_n and_o thence_o over_o the_o river_n of_o wellenhee_o as_o direct_o as_o may_v be_v unto_o or_o above_o the_o ham_n in_o march_n river_n and_o a_o sluse_n with_o a_o bridge_n to_o be_v make_v at_o wadingstow_n to_o keep_v so_o much_o of_o the_o river_n neene_v as_o shall_v be_v needful_a in_o its_o old_a course_n through_o both_o the_o town_n of_o welle_v in_o recompense_n of_o which_o performance_n the_o say_a undertaker_n to_o have_v one_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o thousand_o acre_n of_o statute_n measure_n of_o fen_n ground_n at_o fivescore_o to_o the_o hundred_o to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o every_o particular_a fen_n proportionable_o by_o the_o commissioner_n before_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o annunciation_n of_o our_o lady_n next_o come_v the_o whole_a number_n of_o surround_v acre_n be_v 307242._o and_o that_o the_o undertaker_n their_o heir_n etc._n etc._n shall_v enjoy_v all_o the_o say_a water_n fishing_n and_o bank_n of_o and_o within_o the_o river_n with_o the_o indikes_n and_o land-eas_a and_o liberty_n to_o take_v sufficient_a menure_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n etc._n etc._n which_o rivers_n bank_n indikes_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v account_v parcel_n of_o the_o say_v 130000_o acre_n so_o assign_v to_o they_o and_o that_o the_o say_v undertaker_n shall_v make_v good_a all_o drown_a parcel_n out_o of_o their_o own_o proportion_n or_o in_o value_n in_o case_n the_o drayn_n be_v not_o make_v perfect_a to_o the_o land-owner_n of_o which_o quick_a dispatch_v his_o majesty_n be_v advertise_v he_o write_v to_o they_o again_z from_o theobalds_n upon_o the_o xxiiith_o of_o the_o same_o month_n of_o july_n by_o which_o letter_n a._n he_o commend_v their_o endeavour_n in_o the_o work_n jac._n and_o progress_n make_v therein_o and_o take_v notice_n of_o some_o opposition_n which_o have_v be_v make_v by_o certain_a people_n thereto_o not_o know_v out_o of_o what_o spirit_n it_o proceed_v desire_v they_o to_o take_v special_a care_n to_o suppress_v the_o spread_a of_o all_o false_a rumour_n that_o may_v give_v distaste_n to_o the_o country_n touch_v their_o proceed_n therein_o and_o with_o those_o who_o be_v then_o employ_v by_o his_o majesty_n in_o that_o service_n as_o also_o to_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o such_o rumour_n and_o to_o punish_v the_o offender_n give_v advertisement_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o the_o council_n of_o any_o mutinous_a speech_n which_o may_v be_v raise_v concern_v this_o business_n so_o general_o intend_v for_o the_o public_a good_a short_o after_o this_o viz._n upon_o monday_n aug._n 5_o mr._n hunt_n ric._n atkyns_n and_o other_o lay_v 5_o out_o the_o ground_n where_o the_o river_n through_o neatmore_n shall_v go_v by_o a_o straight_a line_n to_o mumbe_n dike_v end_n 1605._o but_o mislike_v the_o way_n on_o tuesday_n they_o veiw_v new_a ditch_n and_o in_o the_o north-east_n end_v thereof_o begin_v by_o the_o pow_z do_fw-mi lay_v out_o the_o ditch_n to_o be_v lead_v line-right_a from_o thence_o to_o the_o cross_n at_o upwell_n town_n end_n and_o upon_o seven_o wednesday_n about_o 8_o of_o the_o clock_n the_o work_n begin_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o mr._n hunt_n who_o cast_v the_o first_o spit_v the_o wrong_a way_n mr._n helon_n mr._n totnall_n mr._n hamon_n mr._n john_n fyncham_n mr._n richard_n atkyns_n and_o other_o and_o be_v prosecute_v so_o well_o as_o that_o upon_o dec._n the_o xxith_o of_o december_n follow_v be_v the_o feast_n day_n of_o s._n thomas_n the_o apostle_n the_o bank_n at_o the_o cross_n at_o upwell_n town_n end_n be_v open_v and_o the_o river_n
suffer_v to_o run_v as_o also_o a_o bridge_n present_o lay_v over_o mâ—rtij_fw-la but_o on_o the_o xuth_o of_o march_n next_o ensue_v there_o happen_v so_o great_a a_o storm_n that_o it_o break_v the_o bank_n of_o this_o new_a river_n and_o drown_v neatmore_n with_o the_o several_n adjoin_v so_o that_o on_o the_o xxi_o martij_fw-la of_o the_o same_o month_n of_o march_n they_o be_v constrain_v to_o stop_v the_o river_n at_o upwell_n town_n end_n again_o not_o long_o after_o this_o there_o be_v a_o petition_n b._n exhibit_v to_o the_o king_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o divers_a fen-town_n without_o the_o i_o will_v of_o ely_n in_o the_o county_n of_o suff._n and_o cambridg_n humble_o desire_v that_o whereas_o a_o most_o laudable_a work_n of_o drayn_v the_o fen_n etc._n etc._n be_v then_o recommend_v to_o the_o high_a court_n of_o parliament_n and_o that_o divers_a town_n lie_v on_o the_o skirt_n of_o those_o fen_n will_v have_v no_o benefit_n thereby_o in_o regard_n their_o land_n be_v very_o seldom_o surround_v they_o therefore_o may_v be_v exclude_v out_o of_o the_o intend_a act_n of_o parliament_n whereby_o a_o proportion_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n ground_n be_v to_o be_v allow_v to_o the_o undertaker_n in_o the_o drayn_n for_o the_o support_v of_o their_o charge_n therein_o whereupon_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n by_o their_o letter_n a._n date_v at_o white-hall_n upon_o the_o xxxi_o of_o august_n in_o the_o four_o year_n of_o the_o say_v k._n james_n his_o reign_n 1606._o recite_v what_o have_v be_v signify_v former_o by_o they_o as_o to_o the_o fecibleness_n of_o the_o before-specified_n drayn_v and_o that_o the_o lord_n chief_a justice_n popham_n be_v present_a at_o the_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o cambridge_n and_o give_v notice_n to_o the_o country_n that_o his_o majesty_n pleasure_n be_v so_o far_o to_o further_o the_o same_o as_o to_z man_n of_o understanding_n may_v appear_v to_o be_v to_o the_o general_a good_a of_o his_o people_n as_o also_o that_o there_o be_v a_o law_n then_o make_v for_o the_o say_v drayn_v and_o moreover_o that_o at_o another_o session_n hold_v at_o wysbeche_n order_n be_v take_v for_o the_o draw_v of_o a_o law_n to_o be_v present_v to_o the_o parliament_n for_o confirmation_n thereof_o but_o that_o some_o person_n not_o well_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o cause_n complain_v to_o his_o majesty_n of_o great_a loss_n and_o hindrance_n which_o they_o be_v like_a to_o sustain_v in_o case_n the_o say_a act_n shall_v proceed_v and_o therefore_o desire_v the_o say_v commissioner_n to_o examine_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o those_o complaint_n and_o to_o represent_v to_o they_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o fen_n with_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o last_o year_n profit_n and_o that_o present_a year_n in_o answer_v whereunto_o the_o say_v commissioner_n make_v this_o return_n bâ—_n to_o the_o say_a lord_n of_o the_o council_n viz._n that_o they_o do_v meet_v at_o cambridge_n on_o the_o 22._o of_o october_n 1606._o for_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o petition_n former_o mention_v and_o that_o they_o find_v few_o reason_n to_o fortify_v it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v or_o may_v be_v provide_v for_o in_o the_o intend_a bill_n all_o person_n with_o who_o they_o have_v treat_v have_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o want_n of_o drayn_v be_v a_o inestimable_a hurt_n to_o those_o fenny_a country_n and_o that_o whereas_o a_o objection_n have_v be_v make_v of_o much_o prejudice_n that_o may_v redound_v to_o the_o poor_a by_o such_o drayn_n they_o have_v information_n by_o person_n of_o good_a credit_n that_o in_o several_a place_n of_o recover_a ground_n within_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n etc._n etc._n such_o as_o before_o that_o time_n have_v live_v upon_o alm_n have_v no_o help_n but_o by_o fish_v and_o fowl_v and_o such_o poor_a mean_n out_o of_o the_o common_a fen_n while_o they_o lay_v drown_v be_v since_o come_v to_o good_a and_o supportable_a estate_n the_o chief_a content_n a._n of_o the_o bill_n handle_v in_o parliament_n anno_fw-la 4._o regis_fw-la jacobi_n touch_v this_o general_a drayn_n the_o limitation_n of_o time_n allow_v to_o sir_n john_n popam_n knight_n lord_n chief_z justice_z and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o adventurer_n for_o accomplish_v the_o work_n be_v to_o be_v ten_o year_n after_o the_o end_n of_o that_o session_n of_o parliament_n the_o particular_a cutts_n and_o drayn_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o undertaker_n be_v as_o follow_v 1._o a_o new_a river_n with_o a_o bank_n and_o indike_a from_o the_o upland_n near_o peykirke_n between_o weland_n and_o burrow_n bank_n unto_o or_o near_o heddike_n corner_n and_o thence_o to_o crouland_n water_n head_n and_o there_o to_o place_v a_o sluse_n and_o so_o to_o great_a porsand_n bank_n with_o a_o dam_n over_o the_o river_n to_o the_o say_a bank_n to_o keep_v in_o weland_n from_o overflow_a 2._o to_o amend_v the_o leame_z from_o peterborough_n to_o guyhirne_n and_o to_o cut_v a_o new_a river_n and_o bank_n on_o either_o side_n of_o the_o say_v leame_z with_o indikes_n for_o preserve_v of_o the_o bank_n the_o north_n bank_n to_o begin_v from_o burrow_n little_a fen_n bank_n where_o six_o of_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v think_v fit_a 3._o to_o enlarge_v the_o river_n from_o guy_n hirne_n to_o wisebeche_n and_o so_o to_o the_o four_o goat_n 4._o to_o make_v a_o sufficient_a passage_n for_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n from_o erith_n to_o salter_n load_n either_o by_o enlarge_n its_o channel_n or_o embank_v etc._n etc._n and_o to_o make_v two_o new_a river_n to_o begin_v about_o erith_n brigg_n and_o so_o to_o go_v by_o sprall_n be_v to_o maid_n load_n and_o so_o through_o denver_n fen_n into_o ouse_n about_o denver_n hithe_o with_o sufficient_a bank_n and_o indikes_n etc._n etc._n and_o sluice_n at_o the_o upper_a end_n of_o the_o new_a river_n and_o west_n water_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o the_o navigation_n in_o old_a ouse_n and_o grant_n may_v not_o be_v impair_v 5._o to_o imbank_v in_o all_o needful_a place_n grant_v mildenhall_n brandon_n and_o stoke_n river_n viz._n grant_v from_o a_o corner_n below_o clayhithe_n ferrey_n mildenhall_n and_o brandon_n rivers_n from_o their_o entrance_n into_o the_o fen_n or_o from_o some_o other_o more_o convenient_a place_n and_o stoke_n river_n from_o stoke_n causey_n unto_o the_o place_n where_o they_o fall_v into_o ouse_n and_o to_o enlarge_v they_o where_o need_n be_v with_o bank_n and_o indikes_n etc._n etc._n as_o six_o of_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v think_v fit_a 6._o and_o to_o make_v new_a river_n bank_n indikes_n etc._n etc._n where_o need_n be_v &c._n &c._n yield_v to_o the_o owner_n of_o the_o land_n such_o recompense_n as_o any_o six_o of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n shall_v think_v meet_a as_o also_o bridges_n passage_n sluice_n and_o land_n eas._n 7._o that_o they_o may_v take_v in_o water_n to_o maintain_v fish_v so_o as_o the_o same_o be_v keep_v within_o bank_n and_o be_v not_o hurtful_a to_o the_o adjoin_a fen_n 8._o to_o make_v ferrye_n and_o ferrey_n house_n where_o need_n be_v 9_o that_o for_o this_o performance_n the_o undertaker_n etc._n etc._n to_o have_v in_o severalty_n 112000._o acre_n statute_n measure_n by_o the_o small_a hundred_o by_o assignation_n of_o the_o commissioner_n 10._o that_o where_o there_o be_v sufficient_a waste_n to_o answer_v the_o undertaker_n and_o leave_v sufficient_a for_o the_o commoner_n the_o land_n owner_n not_o to_o be_v impeach_v in_o their_o several_n 11._o that_o the_o commissioner_n do_v respect_v both_o quantity_n and_o quality_n in_o their_o opportion_v 12._o that_o such_o opportion_v be_v make_v before_o michaellmass_n a._n 1007._o if_o they_o may_v 13._o that_o of_o waltersey_n the_o undertaker_n to_o have_v 2._o full_a part_n of_o 3._o to_o be_v set_v out_o as_o aforesaid_a 14._o that_o the_o undertaker_n shall_v have_v the_o soil_n water_n and_o fish_v of_o all_o the_o new_a river_n so_o to_o be_v make_v with_o the_o bank_n indikes_n etc._n etc._n 15._o that_o they_o shall_v begin_v to_o take_v their_o profit_n as_o they_o finish_v their_o drayning_n 16._o that_o if_o any_o of_o the_o ground_n shall_v be_v again_o overflowen_v recompense_n to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o party_n damnify_v out_o of_o the_o 112000._o acre_n to_o be_v assess_v by_o any_o six_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n whereof_o 2._o of_o the_o quorum_fw-la where_o such_o surround_v shall_v happen_v 17._o that_o all_o ground_n adjoin_v to_o these_o fen_n which_o be_v better_v by_o the_o drayn_n shall_v contribute_v towards_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o undertaker_n as_o any_o six_o or_o more_o of_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v think_v meet_a 18._o that_o all_o manor_n waste_v and_o common_a shall_v have_v mete_n and_o boundary_n set_v to_o they_o by_o the_o say_a commissioner_n where_o the_o bound_n be_v
next_o year_n follow_v upon_o the_o 7_o day_n of_o june_n in_o a_o session_n 1609._o of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o ely_n these_o follow_a law_n be_v make_v viz._n 1._o that_o the_o defect_n in_o popham_n load_n shall_v be_v amend_v 2._o that_o for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o the_o ground_n in_o welle_v by_o which_o the_o say_a lode_n must_v pass_v there_o be_v on_o either_o side_n of_o the_o same_o a_o sufficient_a crest_n make_v extend_v from_o the_o causey_n of_o upweâ—l_n to_o welle_v river_n at_o north_n delft_n and_o the_o say_a crest_n or_o bank_n to_o be_v six_o foot_n from_o the_o plain_a ground_n and_o in_o breadth_n at_o the_o top_n six_o foot_n and_o in_o thickness_n at_o the_o bottom_n xviii_o foot_n and_o that_o the_o say_a river_n be_v scour_v and_o cast_v two_o foot_n more_o in_o depth_n than_o it_o than_o be_v with_o indikes_n of_o x_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o four_o in_o depth_n and_o two_o convenient_a pipe_n or_o sluice_n at_o its_o fall_n at_o north_n delft_n into_o welle_v river_n 3._o that_o a_o bridge_n of_o stone_n be_v make_v at_o the_o head_n of_o the_o say_a river_n by_o the_o causey_n aforesaid_a over_o the_o say_v lode_n of_o x_o foot_n broad_a with_o sluice_n in_o the_o three_o arch_n thereof_o 4._o that_o four_o pair_n of_o barrs_n be_v set_v up_o to_o keep_v cattle_n from_o come_v on_o the_o say_a bank_n 5._o and_o that_o welle_v river_n from_o mullycourt_n to_o salter_n load_n be_v make_v above_o 50_o foot_n wide_o jac._n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o law_n the_o river_n call_v popham_n load_n be_v again_o take_v a._n in_o hand_n upon_o the_o first_o of_o august_n ensue_v and_o cast_v two_o foot_n deep_o â—aâ—_n soon_o after_o this_o viz._n on_o the_o xxiii_o of_o the_o same_o month_n in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n pettibâ—g_n hold_v at_o ely_n the_o commissioner_n take_v into_o their_o consideration_n that_o whereas_o part_v of_o the_o main_a river_n divide_v the_o county_n of_o huntendon_n from_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n call_v the_o west_n water_n have_v use_v to_o fall_v by_o and_o through_o sutton_n load_n and_o thence_o by_o sundry_a load_v to_o cannol_n load_n and_o so_o into_o welney_n water_n near_o littleport_n all_o which_o load_v by_o sundry_a annoyance_n and_o negligence_n be_v become_v almost_o altogether_o unprofitable_a to_o the_o country_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o all_o the_o town_n lie_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o say_a isle_n and_o sundry_a town_n in_o the_o county_n of_o cambridge_n and_o huntendon_n they_o order_v and_o decree_v that_o all_o the_o say_v load_v shall_v be_v cleanse_v and_o also_o that_o one_o ancient_a bank_n on_o the_o east_n side_n of_o the_o west_n water_n extend_v from_o erith_n to_o sutton_n load_n end_n and_o so_o to_o mydelmore_n stamp_n shall_v be_v raise_v four_o foot_n from_o the_o level_n of_o the_o ground_n thereabouts_o and_o make_v ten_o foot_n in_o breadth_n at_o the_o bottom_n and_o 3_o foot_n at_o the_o top_n by_o the_o owner_n &_o c._n â—f_n the_o say_a ground_n and_o one_o other_o bank_n lie_v by_o the_o say_v westwater_n upon_o mydilmore_n and_o another_o at_o the_o south_n thereof_o in_o south_n medland_n extend_v itself_o from_o new_a ditch_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o height_n and_o breadth_n aforesaid_a by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o sutton_n abovesaid_a and_o that_o another_o bank_n lie_v partly_o by_o the_o say_v westwater_n extend_v from_o the_o â—outh_n end_n of_o abbot_n holload_n house_n bank_n to_o holload_v gate_n at_o the_o mile_n end_n and_o so_o by_o the_o westwater_n in_o north_n medland_n unto_o sutton_n load_n end_v aforesaid_a thence_o to_o mydilmore_n stamp_n thence_o by_o shakpole_n load_n so_o to_o manny_n mandolegate_n to_o hunlode_v gate_n to_o be_v repair_v as_o aforesaid_a by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o sutton_n &_o mepall_v abovemention_v about_o that_o time_n twelvemonth_n there_o be_v another_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o wysebeche_n viz._n sexto_fw-la julii_fw-la 8_o jacobi_fw-la where_o james_n haw_o gentleman_n 1610._o edmund_n gawsell_n gent._n and_o other_o present_v arm._n as_o follow_v inprimis_fw-la we_o find_v not_o by_o any_o record_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o river_n of_o well_o from_o north_n delf_n pingle_v unto_o salter_n load_n have_v at_o any_o time_n within_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n be_v ditch_v but_o we_o find_v that_o it_o have_v be_v twice_o enlarge_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o marshland_n and_o the_o town_n of_o wiggenhall_n and_o the_o landholders_n of_o north_n delf_n pingle_v viz._n in_o the_o six_o year_n of_o k._n henry_n the_o 1._o and_o at_o the_o erect_n of_o new_a powdich_n etc._n etc._n and_o we_o likewise_o find_v that_o in_o 18_o eliz._n there_o be_v 24_o foot_n of_o ground_n lie_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o river_n next_o salter_n load_n grant_v to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o marshland_n &_o the_o town_n of_o wiggenhall_n whereof_o twelve_o foot_n be_v dig_v next_o to_o the_o river_n for_o the_o erect_n of_o a_o bank_n to_o amend_v the_o pow_n do_v in_o time_n of_o necessity_n in_o full_a satisfaction_n whereof_o the_o say_v inhabitant_n of_o marshland_n and_o wiggenhall_n with_o the_o landholders_n aforesaid_a do_v grant_v to_o widen_v the_o river_n there_o twelve_o foot_n which_o grant_n be_v then_o decree_v by_o a_o law_n of_o sewer_n for_o perpetuity_n etc._n etc._n we_o likewise_o say_v that_o popham_n i_fw-mi do_v and_o be_v likely_a to_o bring_v much_o more_o water_n to_o the_o river_n of_o welle_v from_o north_n delf_n to_o salter_n load_n than_o have_v usual_o pass_v that_o way_n within_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n upon_o which_o verdict_n ensue_v then_o and_o at_o that_o place_n these_o order_n make_v by_o sir_n john_n peyton_n sir_n miles_n sand_n and_o other_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n viz._n that_o the_o ixth_o of_o august_n next_o follow_v a_o view_n shall_v be_v take_v by_o the_o say_a commissioner_n of_o the_o river_n between_o north_n delf_n and_o salter_n load_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o view_n a_o law_n make_v for_o the_o widen_v dike_v and_o make_v it_o of_o such_o wideness_n and_o depth_n as_o the_o say_a commissioner_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o country_n of_o marshland_n the_o town_n of_o wigenhall_n and_o the_o landholders_n of_o the_o hundred_o and_o odd_a acre_n in_o stowe_n and_o the_o landholders_n of_o north_n delf_n pingle_v and_o that_o the_o say_v landholders_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v thereupon_o free_a from_o any_o charge_n towards_o popham_n ee._n upon_o this_o view_n it_o be_v likewise_o agree_v that_o the_o river_n from_o north_n delf_n to_o matthew_n bales_n and_o xl_o pole_n lowerâ—_n shall_v be_v make_v thirty_o foot_n wide_a which_o be_v do_v according_o the_o next_o year_n follow_v at_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v 1611._o at_o stow_n brynke_v in_o come_v noff._n upon_o the_o xx_o of_o may_n it_o be_v thus_o order_v by_o the_o commissioner_n that_o the_o undertaker_n and_o their_o heir_n shall_v have_v power_n to_o drain_v all_o the_o ground_n mention_v in_o the_o act_n of_o 4_o jac._n former_o mention_v through_o the_o pipe_n call_v coldham_n goat_n which_o lie_v under_o the_o bank_n of_o elm_n leame_z and_o so_o through_o a_o piece_n of_o ground_n lie_v between_o the_o say_v leame_z and_o a_o bank_n lead_v from_o friday_n bridge_n to_o bishop_n dike_v and_o so_o till_o it_o come_v over_o against_o a_o dike_n between_o the_o land_n in_o oldfield_n and_o needham_n thence_o betwixt_o the_o land_n in_o oldfield_n and_o say_v field_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o needham_n bank_n and_o thornedike_n on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o so_o to_o old_a load_n call_v chapell_n load_n thence_o through_o greendike_n thence_o to_o the_o bridge_n near_o bâ—aupre_n hall_n thence_o to_o stonhamslile_n and_o so_o to_o boy_n fen_n gate_n thence_o unto_o bedingfield_n barrs_n and_o so_o to_o hook_n gate_n and_o thence_o to_o staple_n be_v at_o the_o bank_n of_o ouse_n this_o be_v call_v coldham_n and_o waltersey_n law_n in_o pursuance_n jac._n whereof_o the_o diker_n set_v upon_o the_o work_n upon_o the_o wednesday_n than_o next_o follow_v and_o upon_o the_o second_o of_o august_n the_o maâ—ons_n begin_v ibid._n the_o pipe_n under_o uuelle_fw-fr river_n which_o be_v finish_v upon_o the_o tuesday_n after_o michaelmass_n day_n after_o which_o within_o a_o few_o day_n viz_o on_o friday_n ensue_v the_o mason_n begin_v ibid._n the_o sluse_n at_o stow_n for_o coldham_n and_o upon_o saturday_n be_v the_o xxith_o of_o september_n the_o commissioner_n take_v ibid._n view_v jac._n for_o mr._n bell_n in_o stowe_n and_o uuelle_n for_o the_o low_a ground_n between_o popham_n load_n and_o the_o new_a powdike_n all_o thing_n therefore_o speed_v on_o so_o well_o upoâ—_n thursday_n follow_v it_o be_v the_o
the_o very_a point_n question_v as_o also_o the_o continue_a practice_n of_o ancient_a and_o latter_a time_n and_o likewise_o the_o opinion_n in_o write_v of_o the_o lord_n chief_a justice_n popham_n upon_o the_o question_n touch_v the_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n viz._n first_o whether_o the_o say_v commissioner_n have_v authority_n to_o cause_v new_a bank_n draynsâ—_n or_o sluice_n to_o be_v make_v whâ—re_v none_o have_v be_v before_o second_o whether_o they_o may_v lay_v a_o tax_n upon_o any_o hundred_o town_n or_o the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o in_o general_n and_o not_o impose_v it_o upon_o every_o particular_a man_n according_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o his_o land_n or_o common_a three_o whether_o they_o may_v commit_v to_o prison_n such_o as_o disobey_v their_o order_n etc._n etc._n and_o four_o whether_o that_o action_n of_o false_a imprisonment_n trespass_n and_o other_o process_n at_o the_o common_a law_n have_v be_v bring_v against_o the_o commissioner_n or_o their_o officer_n for_o execute_v their_o decree_n order_n etc._n etc._n their_o lordship_n find_v in_o their_o wisdom_n that_o it_o can_v neither_o stand_v with_o law_n nor_o common_a sense_n that_o in_o a_o case_n of_o so_o great_a consequence_n the_o law_n can_v be_v void_a of_o providence_n to_o restrain_v the_o commissioner_n in_o make_v new_a work_n aswell_o to_o stop_v the_o fury_n of_o the_o water_n as_o to_o repair_v the_o old_a where_o necessity_n require_v it_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o country_n or_o to_o raise_v a_o charge_n upon_o the_o town_n or_o hundred_o in_o general_a which_o be_v interest_v in_o the_o benefit_n or_o loss_n with_o attend_v a_o particular_a admesurement_n of_o acre_n where_o the_o service_n be_v to_o be_v speedy_a etc._n etc._n or_o that_o a_o commission_n of_o so_o high_a consequence_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o of_o so_o ancient_a jurisdiction_n both_o before_o the_o statute_n and_o since_o shall_v want_v mean_n of_o coercion_n for_o obedience_n to_o their_o order_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o upon_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o the_o preservation_n of_o thousand_o of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n their_o land_n good_n and_o life_n do_v depend_v and_o plain_o perceive_v that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o direct_a frustrate_v and_o overthrow_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n if_o the_o commissioner_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o every_o suit_n at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o delinquent_n etc._n etc._n their_o lordship_n order_v that_o the_o person_n former_o commit_v by_o that_o board_n for_o their_o contempt_n concern_v this_o cause_n shall_v stand_v commit_v until_o they_o release_v or_o discharge_v such_o their_o action_n etc._n etc._n save_v nevertheless_o any_o complaint_n or_o suit_n for_o any_o oppression_n or_o grievance_n before_o the_o court_n of_o sewer_n or_o before_o the_o say_a council_n board_n if_o they_o receive_v not_o justice_n at_o the_o say_a commissioner_n hand_n and_o that_o letter_n be_v write_v to_o the_o commissioner_n to_o proceed_v in_o their_o several_a commission_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o general_a work_n the_o say_a lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n council_n sit_v at_o white_a hall_n the_o ixth_o of_o may_n 1617._o than_o next_o follow_v order_v 15â—â—_n 1._o that_o a_o sluse_n must_v necessary_o be_v make_v at_o the_o out-fall_a of_o wisbeche_n river_n into_o the_o sea_n at_o the_o charge_n aswell_o of_o the_o high-country_n as_o the_o low_a to_o be_v rate_v by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n 2._o that_o the_o river_n of_o wisbeche_n and_o all_o the_o branch_n of_o nene_n and_o westwaterâ—_n â—_z be_v cleanse_v and_o make_v in_o breadth_n and_o depth_n as_o much_o as_o by_o ancient_a record_n it_o shall_v appear_v they_o have_v be_v or_o where_o that_o can_v appear_v at_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o commissioner_n 3._o that_o weland_n be_v also_o scour_v etc._n etc._n from_o the_o out-fall_a to_o waldram_n hall_n at_o the_o particular_a charge_n of_o the_o owner_n and_o their_o tenant_n as_o also_o the_o river_n of_o south_n ea_fw-la from_o crouland_n to_o guy_n hirne_n by_o those_o that_o of_o right_a aught_o to_o do_v it_o and_o that_o till_o that_o be_v do_v clow_n cross_a drain_v shall_v run_v 4._o and_o that_o thing_n to_o be_v far_o do_v therein_o be_v refer_v to_o a_o new_a commission_n of_o sewer_n to_o be_v procure_v at_o the_o indifferent_a charge_n of_o the_o country_n therein_o mention_v iâ—c_n after_o this_o viz._n upon_o the_o xth_o of_o september_n the_o â—ame_n year_n in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o wisebeche_n before_o francis_n lord_n russell_n and_o other_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n it_o be_v inter_fw-la alia_fw-la order_v 1_o that_o london_n load_n shall_v be_v damn_v up_o at_o welle-causey_n and_o that_o popham_n ea_fw-la be_v make_v a_o perfect_a sewer_n with_o bank_n on_o both_o side_n according_a to_o a_o former_a law_n for_o height_n breadth_n and_o strength_n and_o so_o continue_v for_o ever_o and_o that_o so_o much_o charge_n as_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o bank_n on_o both_o side_n of_o london_n load_n and_o of_o the_o load_n itself_o whereof_o they_o be_v dischardged_a by_o this_o order_n shall_v be_v employ_v upon_o the_o make_n and_o maintain_v of_o the_o bank_n and_o sewer_n of_o popham_n ea_fw-la the_o same_o to_o be_v rate_v by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n and_o that_o the_o say_v commissioner_n shall_v also_o consider_v what_o charge_n be_v to_o be_v impose_v on_o those_o who_o by_o the_o old_a law_n be_v chargeable_a towards_o small_a load_n and_o to_o allow_v the_o same_o upon_o popham_n ea_fw-la etc._n etc._n whereupon_o sir_n henry_n hobart_n knight_n jac._n then_z lord_n chief_z justice_z of_o the_o common_a plea_n be_v then_o advise_v with_o and_o likewise_o assist_v by_o divers_a of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n deliver_v his_o opinion_n a._n touch_v this_o drain_n call_v small_a load_n as_o follow_v viz._n 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o old_a forsake_a sewer_n not_o know_v within_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n to_o have_v be_v in_o use_n and_o so_o grow_v up_o that_o the_o very_a tract_n thereof_o be_v not_o in_o many_o place_n discernible_a and_o that_o it_o be_v also_o uncertain_a whether_o the_o proper_a out-fall_a thereof_o shall_v be_v towards_o the_o ouse_n as_o a_o exemplyed_a law_n of_o 39_o eliz._n appoint_v it_o or_o to_o wisbeche_v river_n as_o some_o presentment_n much_o more_o ancient_a do_v declare_v it_o 2._o that_o the_o scour_n thereof_o have_v ancient_o belong_v to_o the_o owner_n of_o land_n adjoin_v now_o pertain_v to_o sinolphus_n bell_n esquire_n and_o other_o but_o for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a not_o put_v in_o charge_n till_o the_o say_a law_n of_o 39_o eliz._n ordain_v it_o to_o be_v open_v and_o to_o have_v its_o fall_n by_o the_o new_a powdich_n into_o ouse_n 3._o that_o by_o a_o law_n make_v ix_o jac._n ground_a upon_o a_o view_n and_o open_a debate_n in_o session_n it_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v damn_v up_o as_o unnecessary_a 4._o that_o popham_n ea_fw-la though_o a_o new_a sewer_n be_v of_o such_o use_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o largeness_n and_o situation_n that_o it_o alone_o suffice_v as_o many_o think_v both_o to_o discharge_v the_o water_n descend_v thither_o from_o the_o high_a country_n and_o those_o also_o of_o the_o ground_n drayn_v by_o london_n load_n that_o there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o this_o small_a load_n 5._o that_o therefore_o those_o land_n adjoin_v which_o belong_v to_o the_o say_v sinolphus_n bell_n and_o other_o be_v discharge_v from_o its_o repair_n etc._n etc._n reason_n confirm_v this_o opinion_n so_o long_o as_o the_o outfall_n of_o wisbeche_n have_v its_o perfect_a be_v the_o whole_a river_n of_o ouse_n have_v there_o its_o perfect_a outfall_n from_o whence_o the_o town_n seem_v to_o have_v take_v the_o denomination_n viz._n ouse_n or_o wisebeche_n thither_o then_o come_v the_o first_o branch_n of_o ouse_n from_o erith_n by_o the_o course_n now_o callâ—d_a the_o west_n water_n to_o benwick_n where_o meet_v with_o a_o part_n of_o nene_n which_o then_o be_v very_o small_a the_o great_a passage_n be_v in_o those_o day_n by_o crouland_n south_n ea_fw-la wride_n stream_n and_o other_o course_n about_o thorney_n fall_v together_o by_o great_a cross_n or_o plantwater_n to_o the_o north_n sea_n at_o wisbeche_n the_o other_o part_n at_o ouse_n be_v the_o second_o branch_n fall_v down_o from_o eryth_n to_o harrymere_n and_o there_o meet_v with_o the_o river_n grant_v from_o cambridge_n pass_v so_o unite_v to_o ely_n thence_o to_o litleport_n chair_n and_o so_o by_o welney_n and_o welle_v to_o the_o say_a north_n sea_n at_o wisbeche_n where_o it_o meet_v with_o the_o former_a branch_n from_o benwick_n then_o as_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v no_o river_n between_o litleport_n chair_n and_o rebbech_n which_o be_v a_o
place_n by_o priest_n house_n where_o ouse_n parva_fw-la or_o brandon_n water_n fall_v in_o but_o divers_a load_v lake_n and_o dikes_n at_o s._n edmund_n load_n gnat_n load_n and_o docky_a load_n which_o take_v their_o natural_a fall_n into_o a_o great_a mere_a by_o welle_v call_v the_o wide_a and_o from_o the_o wide_a by_o divers_a tract_n as_o webwinch_n lake_n aldy_n load_n old_a small_a load_n cheselbeche_n waxbeche_o load_n small_a load_n and_o so_o into_o the_o river_n at_o upwell_n and_o thence_o with_o the_o same_o branch_n from_o litleport_n to_o the_o north_n sea_n at_o wisbeche_n but_o wisbeche_v outfall_n decay_v and_o the_o passage_n of_o nene_n by_o crouland_n likewise_o faâ—ling_v through_o the_o decay_n of_o of_o spalding_n river_n and_o other_o hindrance_n the_o westwater_n or_o first_o branch_n of_o ouse_n with_o nene_n unite_v wax_v weak_a in_o the_o passage_n and_o so_o fall_v down_o by_o march_n to_o welle_v and_o not_o find_v passage_n by_o welle_v at_o shrew_n nest_n point_n the_o most_o part_n thereof_o turn_v back_o again_o to_o litleport_n by_o the_o old_a forsake_v second_o branch_n of_o ouse_n and_o hold_v that_o course_n to_o this_o day_n this_o second_o branch_n of_o ouse_n with_o grant_v unite_v lie_v hereby_o debar_v of_o passage_n by_o wisbeche_n mean_n be_v make_v to_o let_v it_o fall_v from_o litleport-chair_n to_o rebbech_n by_o a_o load_n which_o at_o the_o first_o seem_v to_o be_v call_v hemmings_n ea_fw-la and_o so_o in_o ouse_n parva'_v channel_n pass_v to_o salter_n load_n and_o thence_o to_o lynne_n who_o channel_n not_o long_o before_o that_o time_n be_v not_o above_o six_o pole_n wide_a be_v then_o by_o due_a presentment_n say_v at_o that_o time_n to_o be_v both_o infficient_a for_o the_o haven_n and_o vessel_n thither_o resort_v by_o the_o inlet_n of_o the_o salt_n water_n and_o large_a enough_o to_o pass_v away_o the_o fresh_a as_o by_o the_o proceed_n of_o a_o fair_a commission_n thereof_o in_o an._n 1378._o may_v appear_v 2._o then_o begin_v the_o water_n from_o above_o welle_v and_o all_o thereabouts_o to_o seek_v their_o passage_n by_o that_o tract_n to_o lynne_n uuisbeche_o channel_n and_o so_o as_o low_o as_o the_o cross_a key_n which_o be_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o marsh_n betwixt_o welle_v and_o wisbeche_v and_o so_o downward_o towards_o tirington_n utter_o thereby_o decay_v as_o to_o this_o day_n may_v yet_o be_v see_v but_o the_o people_n of_o marshland_n find_v themselves_o overcharge_v by_o these_o water_n upon_o complaint_n make_v to_o king_n edward_n the_o first_o obtain_v a_o commission_n an._n 21_o edw._n 1._o to_o have_v the_o water_n of_o welle_v which_o ancient_o have_v their_o outfall_n by_o wisbeche_n to_o be_v bring_v and_o carry_v in_o debitum_fw-la &_o antiquum_fw-la cursum_fw-la etc._n etc._n then_o be_v there_o three_o stopsmade_a viz._n the_o first_o at_o fendike_n about_o upwell_n town_n end_n near_o where_o popham_n load_n sluse_n now_o stand_v 2_o at_o small_a load_n bridge_n and_o 3_o at_o outwell_n bridge_n and_o order_n take_v for_o open_v of_o the_o rivet_n from_o welle_v to_o elm_n floudgate_n upon_o the_o confine_n of_o both_o county_n at_o the_o cost_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o isle_n and_o of_o marshland_n indifferent_o to_o show_v that_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n have_v its_o outfall_n at_o wisbeche_n beside_o what_o be_v before_o express_v 1._o the_o sea-bank_n from_o welle_v to_o wisbeche_v 2._o wisbeche_o castle_n found_v super_fw-la flumen_fw-la illud_fw-la famosum_fw-la quod_fw-la welford_n streme_a appelatur_fw-la regist._n de_fw-fr petroburg_n 3._o situm_fw-la est_fw-la praedictum_fw-la castrum_n quod_fw-la à _fw-la pluribus_fw-la paludibus_fw-la &_o rivulis_fw-la &_o fontibus_fw-la principium_fw-la habet_fw-la &_o per_fw-la longos_fw-la meatus_fw-la in_o mare_fw-la magnum_fw-la juxta_fw-la wilbeche_n derivare_fw-la liquidè_fw-la comprobatur_fw-la regist._n de_fw-fr thorney_n parâ—e_v 3a._o p._n 34._o 4._o the_o people_n of_o k._n john_n perish_v in_o the_o water_n of_o welle_v that_o there_o be_v sometime_o no_o river_n between_o litleport_n chair_n and_o rebbech_n 1._o a_o record_n vouch_v by_o mr._n hexham_n surveyor_n to_o philip_n earl_n of_o arundel_n the_o tract_n of_o the_o river_n be_v of_o a_o clean_a contrary_a nature_n viz._n more_o straight_o than_o any_o of_o the_o ouse_n in_o all_o the_o fen_n from_o ely_n to_o wisbeche_v 2._o the_o impose_v of_o the_o name_n of_o heming_n load_n in_o the_o description_n of_o rack_n fen_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o record_n viz._n à _fw-fr le_fw-fr chair_n per_fw-la heming_n load_n usque_fw-la gnat_n load_n end_n that_o the_o water_n of_o the_o isle_n shall_v not_o nor_o of_o old_a do_v fall_v down_o from_o welle_v upon_o marshland_n eastward_o nor_o into_o welle_v fen_n in_o norff._n 1._o see_v the_o commission_n de_fw-fr anno_fw-la 21_o e._n 1._o 2._o see_v the_o leet_n roll_v de_fw-fr anno_fw-la 29_o e._n 1._o pro_fw-la wadingstow_n fracto_fw-la in_fw-la hiis_fw-la verbis_fw-la reginaldus_n the_o burgo_n fregit_fw-la obstupationem_fw-la de_fw-la wadingstow_n factam_fw-la per_fw-la breve_fw-la domini_fw-la regis_fw-la &_o reversit_fw-la aquam_fw-la extra_fw-la rectum_fw-la cursum_fw-la suum_fw-la ad_fw-la magnum_fw-la dampnum_fw-la &_o nocumentum_fw-la totius_fw-la patriae_fw-la ideo_fw-la in_o misericordia_fw-la iiis._o see_v there_o some_o other_o amerce_v for_o the_o like_a and_o in_o the_o next_o leet_n how_o their_o pledge_n be_v amerce_v and_o the_o offender_n command_v to_o be_v attach_v 3._o see_v in_o the_o roll_n of_o upwell_n leet_n 12_o e._n 2._o in_o fine_a divers_a amerce_v for_o break_v or_o hurt_v the_o bank_n of_o the_o fenn_n call_v the_o fendike_n between_o welle_v and_o wellenhe_n and_o many_o presentment_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v bank_n from_o upwell_n to_o wellenhe_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v break_v nor_o cut_v nor_o the_o water_n turn_v into_o the_o fen_n near_o marshland_n 4._o see_v the_o stop_n of_o the_o water_n of_o welle_v from_o fall_v upon_o marshland_n upon_o rhe_n complaint_n of_o marshland_n man_n make_v to_o the_o king_n by_o who_o commission_n they_o be_v stop_v at_o outwell_n brigge_n at_o small_a load_n brigg_n and_o at_o fendike_n lake_n in_o upwell_n and_o at_o a_o place_n near_o the_o sluse_n at_o upwell_n town_n end_n on_o popham_n load_n head_n sometime_o call_v uuadingstow_v 5._o and_o upon_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o dam_n at_o small_a load_n bridge_n by_o mean_n of_o a_o complaint_n of_o marshland-man_n see_v a_o commission_n send_v down_o in_o 25_o e._n 1._o to_o inquire_v of_o the_o malefactor_n and_o to_o punish_v they_o express_o for_o break_v small_a load_n dam_n and_o a_o writ_n of_o attendance_n direct_v to_o the_o sheriff_n to_o that_o purpose_n 6._o and_o that_o small_a load_n dam_n be_v according_a to_o this_o commission_n make_v and_o fortify_v again_o appear_v plain_o by_o divers_a presentment_n and_o punishment_n set_v forth_o in_o the_o leet_n roll_v of_o upwell_n aftâ—r_v those_o day_n only_o one_o of_o 12_o e._n 2._o shall_v suffice_v viz._n et_fw-la dicunt_fw-la quod_fw-la walterus_n jollyff_fw-mi consuetus_fw-la est_fw-la trahere_fw-la batellam_fw-la svam_fw-la ultra_fw-la estupationem_fw-la factam_fw-la per_fw-la breve_fw-la domini_fw-la regis_fw-la apud_fw-la le_fw-fr little_a load_n per_fw-la quod_fw-la dicta_fw-la obstupatio_fw-la deterioratur_fw-la ideo_fw-la in_o misericordia_fw-la iis._o see_v there_o 4_o or_o 5_o more_o amerce_v for_o the_o like_a and_o that_o there_o be_v bank_n from_o upwell_n to_o welleney_n aboard_o the_o great_a river_n keep_v that_o the_o water_n shall_v not_o fall_v into_o the_o fen_n on_o norfolk_n side_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o very_a many_o presentment_n almost_o in_o every_o king_n time_n since_o edward_n 1._o to_o k._n james_n viz._n in_o 1_o 2_o 22_o 23_o 24_o 25_o e._n 1._o 2_o e._n 2.12_o 15_o 16_o 18_o e._n 2.3_o 4_o e._n 3._o &c_n &c_n 2_o r._n 2._o etc._n etc._n i_o will_v only_o add_v one_o more_o old_a record_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o water_n of_o the_o isle_n shall_v not_o fall_v into_o the_o fen_n on_o norff._n side_n an._n 24_o e._n 1._o juratores_fw-la dicunt_fw-la quod_fw-la adam_n noach_n cidit_fw-la communem_fw-la dravam_fw-la per_fw-la medium_n juxta_fw-la hold_n wellen_v he_o per_fw-la quod_fw-la cursus_fw-la magnae_fw-la ripariae_fw-la &_o hold_v uuellen_n he_o transversus_fw-la est_fw-la ex_fw-la recto_fw-la cursu_fw-la versus_fw-la mariscum_fw-la ad_fw-la grave_n nocumentum_fw-la totius_fw-la communitatis_fw-la ideo_fw-la dictus_fw-la adam_n in_fw-la misericordia_fw-la xiid._o and_o in_o the_o leet_n follow_v his_o pledge_n be_v amerce_v and_o pain_v to_o have_v it_o amend_v and_o he_o himself_o distrain_v to_o answer_v to_o it_o so_o that_o where_o it_o be_v here_o say_v and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n also_o that_o the_o stream_n of_o the_o great_a river_n of_o wellenhee_n be_v turn_v out_o of_o his_o right_a course_n by_o cut_v the_o fendikes_n or_o drove_n in_o this_o presentment_n and_o some_o other_o it_o
much_o straight_a than_o the_o â—ormer_a and_o begin_v the_o same_o do_v perfect_a 800._o perch_n thereof_o but_o then_o be_v disturb_v by_o contentious_a people_n can_v not_o go_v on_o they_o therefore_o ordain_v that_o the_o say_v work_n shall_v be_v again_o proceed_v in_o till_o they_o be_v perfect_v 10._o and_o they_o far_o ordain_v that_o the_o say_a river_n of_o ouse_n from_o harry_n mere_a upward_o to_o odercote_n shall_v be_v cleanse_v by_o those_o that_o of_o right_a aught_o to_o do_v the_o same_o before_o the_o 14_o of_o july_n ensue_v to_o the_o ancient_a breadth_n and_o old_a bottom_n 11._o and_o that_o the_o great_a and_o main_a arm_n of_o ouse_n call_v the_o westwater_n descend_v by_o erith_n brigg_n on_o the_o west_n part_n of_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n shall_v be_v cleanse_v &c._n &c._n to_o benwick_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o aforesaid_a as_o also_o a_o branch_n thereof_o call_v sutton_n load_n from_o the_o say_a west_n water_n to_o the_o outfall_n thereof_o into_o welney_n water_n so_o likewise_o ouse_n diche_n another_o branch_n of_o the_o say_a west_n water_n fall_v out_o of_o the_o same_o between_o hollwood_n and_o oldstaffe_n and_o so_o unto_o sutton_n wead_v and_o that_o chattery_n new_a leam_fw-la fall_v out_o of_o the_o say_a west_n water_n shall_v be_v scour_v beneath_o chattery_n ferry_n to_o key_n be_v corner_n so_o to_o chattery_n town_n thence_o to_o dodyngton_n park_n thence_o to_o wymblyngton_n hoke_z and_o march_z stream_n thence_o by_o elm_n leame_z unto_o elm_n town_n and_o so_o to_o wisbeche_v great_a river_n 12._o also_o that_o ea_fw-la brink_n in_o elm_n from_o friday_n bridge_n unto_o the_o town_n dam_n be_v make_v as_o high_a and_o feasible_a as_o other_o bank_n adjoin_v by_o the_o landholders_n of_o redmore_n and_o that_o maid_n load_n and_o shiplode_v extend_v from_o welney_n water_n unto_o the_o main_a river_n of_o ouse_n and_o likewise_o london_n load_n lie_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o londoner_n ground_n and_o fall_v from_o the_o say_a water_n of_o welney_n unto_o welford_n creek_n etc._n etc._n be_v scour_v etc._n etc._n 13._o so_o also_o darsey_n ea_fw-la extend_v from_o welney_n river_n towards_o stony_a ditch_n belong_v to_o the_o manor_n of_o dodington_n and_o the_o say_a sewer_n extend_v thence_o to_o maney_n ea_fw-la so_o to_o cox_n load_n and_o dalling_n ditch_n and_o thence_o to_o dodington_n leame_z 14._o and_o that_o all_o other_o common_a drayn_n load_v etc._n etc._n within_o the_o tract_n of_o the_o say_a river_n of_o ouse_n be_v open_v cleanse_v &c._n &c._n 15._o and_o it_o be_v far_o decree_v that_o the_o bank_n of_o south_n lake_n end_n present_v to_o be_v cut_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o crouland_n to_o let_v the_o water_n of_o weland_n run_v into_o borough_n great_a fen_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o commoner_n and_o hindrance_n of_o the_o outfall_n at_o spalding_n by_o divert_v the_o water_n out_o of_o its_o ancient_a course_n shall_v be_v well_o and_o sufficient_o repair_v and_o make_v by_o the_o commoner_n in_o the_o say_a fen_n before_o the_o twentifift_n of_o march_n than_o next_o follow_v after_o this_o viz._n about_o the_o begin_n of_o march_n follow_v there_o be_v a_o petition_n a._n exhibit_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n by_o divers_a of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n for_o these_o county_n whereof_o part_n do_v lie_v within_o the_o precinct_n of_o this_o great_a level_n show_v what_o pain_n they_o have_v take_v for_o two_o year_n pass_v in_o order_n to_o the_o general_a drayn_n and_o make_v several_a law_n but_o that_o letter_n be_v come_v down_o from_o their_o lordship_n bear_v date_n 20_o jan._n for_o respit_v the_o execution_n of_o those_o law_n so_o far_o as_o relate_v to_o the_o county_n of_o cambr._n or_o isle_n of_o ely_n except_o such_o as_o concern_v the_o outfall_n of_o nene_n and_o weland_n until_o far_a direction_n from_o their_o lordship_n so_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o stop_n those_o part_n especial_o in_o the_o county_n of_o cambr._n hunt_n and_o south_n part_n of_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n be_v like_a to_o be_v utter_o lose_v and_o that_o this_o great_a discouragement_n to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n occasion_v their_o petition_n that_o they_o may_v be_v leave_v to_o their_o former_a liberty_n whereupon_o the_o say_v lord_n sit_v in_o council_n at_o white_a hall_n on_o the_o ix_o of_o march_n ensue_v order_v a._n that_o their_o say_a letter_n of_o 20_o jan._n shall_v be_v return_v back_o to_o that_o board_n jac._n and_o that_o all_o law_n &_o order_n make_v by_o the_o say_a commissioner_n shall_v be_v in_o force_n as_o also_o that_o such_o of_o the_o commissioner_n as_o do_v find_v themselves_o grieve_v shall_v give_v notice_n thereof_o to_o the_o session_n of_o sewer_n and_o agree_v upon_o a_o day_n when_o both_o party_n may_v attend_v the_o council_n table_n to_o be_v equal_o and_o full_o hear_v forasmuch_o as_o by_o the_o procurement_n of_o some_o few_o of_o they_o the_o say_a letter_n have_v be_v send_v which_o tend_v so_o far_o to_o the_o distract_n of_o their_o proceed_n which_o letter_n of_o the_o say_a lord_n occasion_v this_o answer_n b._n from_o the_o say_v great_a part_n of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n martij_fw-la viz._n that_o those_o xi_o commissioner_n who_o have_v former_o distract_v their_o proccâ—edings_n by_o procure_v the_o council_n order_n for_o respit_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n of_o sewer_n that_o have_v be_v make_v &c._n &c._n have_v again_o grant_v out_o warrant_n which_o tend_v to_o a_o far_a distraction_n of_o their_o proceed_n and_o therefore_o they_o humble_o desire_v that_o the_o duplicate_v of_o the_o commission_n then_o late_o procure_v for_o cambridgshire_n may_v be_v call_v in_o not_o long_o after_o this_o there_o be_v a_o letter_n jac._n send_v from_o the_o say_a lord_n to_o the_o before-specified_n commissioner_n import_v that_o by_o the_o result_n of_o that_o board_n a_o order_n be_v make_v for_o a_o sluse_n to_o be_v erect_v at_o the_o outfall_n of_o wisbech_n river_n and_o after_o that_o so_o do_v the_o river_n to_o be_v ditch_v and_o that_o since_o that_o time_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o any_o of_o the_o commissioner_n within_o the_o hundred_o of_o wisbeche_n a_o law_n be_v make_v for_o the_o ditch_v of_o the_o say_a river_n &_o that_o at_o the_o particular_a charge_n of_o the_o same_o hundred_o from_o wisbeche_n bridge_n unto_o the_o sea_n but_o no_o law_n for_o the_o sluse_n and_o moreover_o that_o the_o say_a river_n when_o it_o be_v last_o ditch_v be_v enlarge_v from_o xl_o foot_n to_o lx_o foot_n wide_a at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o high_a land_n and_o low_a country_n and_o that_o this_o law_n have_v now_o impose_v upon_o the_o say_v hundred_o of_o wisbeche_v the_o ditch_v thereof_o to_o its_o ancient_a breadth_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o say_v add_v xx_o foot_n all_o which_o consider_v the_o say_a lord_n do_v think_v fit_a to_o vary_v from_o some_o point_n of_o those_o law_n and_o far_o order_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o sluse_n make_v at_o the_o horse-shoe_n beneath_o wisbeche_n at_o the_o general-charge_n of_o all_o that_o drain_v that_o way_n and_o that_o from_o the_o horseshoe_n to_o the_o four_o goat_n and_o as_o far_o further_a as_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v think_v fit_a the_o work_n to_o be_v do_v at_o the_o general_a charge_n and_o not_o by_o the_o hundred_o of_o wisbeche_n only_o in_o regard_v it_o be_v a_o new_a work_n and_o very_o beneficial_a to_o many_o country_n as_o also_o that_o the_o river_n from_o the_o horseshoe_n to_o guyhirne_v cross_n be_v make_v lx_o foot_n wide_a as_o it_o be_v the_o last_o time_n it_o be_v ditch_v and_o at_o the_o general_a charge_n and_o all_o law_n cross_v these_o order_n to_o be_v make_v void_a and_o that_o the_o order_n for_o make_v the_o outfall_n perfect_a be_v general_o observe_v whereupon_o at_o a_o general_a session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o wisbeche_n 30_o maii_n than_o next_o follow_v in_o submission_n to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o say_a lord_n it_o be_v decree_v that_o a_o strong_a and_o sufficient_a sluse_n of_o stone_n and_o brick_n shall_v be_v set_v up_o at_o the_o horseshoe_n beneath_o wisbeche_n jac._n at_o the_o general_a charge_n of_o all_o such_o who_o be_v to_o drain_v by_o the_o same_o and_o that_o forasmuch_o as_o by_o reason_n of_o a_o unexpected_a downfall_n of_o rain_n and_o overflow_v of_o water_n divers_a of_o the_o work_n of_o sewer_n decree_v at_o huntingdon_n 24_o feb._n 1617._o have_v be_v so_o hinder_v as_o that_o they_o can_v not_o so_o soon_o be_v undertake_v much_o less_o perfect_v within_o the_o time_n limit_v by_o the_o say_a law_n it_o be_v decree_v that_o all_o part_n thereof_o shall_v be_v repeal_v except_o what_o concern_v sutton_n load_n
commodity_n 4._o that_o no_o land_n shall_v contribute_v to_o this_o charge_n which_o be_v then_o at_o 8s._o a_o acre_n or_o upward_o except_o it_o lay_v in_o small_a quantity_n and_o intermix_v with_o other_o land_n so_o that_o the_o work_n can_v not_o go_v forward_o without_o it_o and_o then_o to_o have_v a_o moiety_n of_o profit_n ut_fw-la supra_fw-la 5._o that_o their_o lordship_n shall_v not_o intermeddle_v with_o any_o part_n of_o the_o work_n which_o be_v already_o settle_v &_o agree_v on_o 6._o that_o the_o undertaker_n according_a to_o their_o promise_n shall_v begin_v the_o work_n within_o one_o month_n after_o this_o agreement_n shall_v be_v conclude_v all_o which_o be_v thus_o settle_v and_o agree_v upon_o the_o last_o day_n of_o may_n then_o past_a with_o the_o consent_n of_o both_o party_n for_o aught_o appear_v to_o their_o lordship_n forasmuch_o nevertheless_o as_o the_o undertaker_n have_v not_o then_o enter_v upon_o the_o work_n nor_o make_v any_o proceed_n therein_o the_o time_n of_o the_o year_n require_v expedition_n it_o be_v according_a to_o his_o majesty_n pleasure_n and_o command_v order_v by_o that_o board_n that_o the_o say_v undertaker_n shall_v either_o go_v on_o according_a to_o the_o article_n so_o agree_v on_o at_o that_o board_n or_o otherwise_o desist_v from_o that_o undertake_n and_o hold_v the_o country_n no_o long_o in_o suspense_n but_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o such_o further_a course_n as_o shall_v be_v expedient_a to_o which_o purpose_n it_o be_v likewise_o order_v that_o copy_n of_o those_o article_n and_o order_n shall_v be_v deliver_v both_o to_o the_o undertaker_n and_o such_o gentleman_n as_o attend_v that_o service_n there_o for_o the_o country_n and_o afterward_o viz._n upon_o the_o 25_o of_o the_o same_o month_n of_o july_n the_o king_n by_o his_o letter_n jac._n direct_v to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n publish_v at_o cambridge_n 18_o aug._n commend_v the_o undertaker_n readiness_n and_o acceptance_n of_o such_o mean_a condition_n in_o so_o hazardous_a a_o enterprise_n require_v that_o they_o may_v have_v square_a deal_n in_o the_o valuation_n of_o the_o land_n as_o they_o have_v be_v true_o let_v and_o security_n for_o the_o partage_n of_o what_o shall_v be_v allot_v to_o they_o so_o that_o there_o may_v not_o be_v any_o just_a exception_n thereto_o and_o likewise_o that_o the_o say_v commissioner_n shall_v give_v they_o their_o best_a assistance_n that_o they_o may_v go_v on_o with_o cheerfullness_n in_o the_o work_n the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n also_o by_o their_o letter_n jac._n to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n incite_v their_o assistance_n to_o the_o say_a undertaker_n and_o for_o their_o settle_n of_o the_o business_n with_o they_o according_a to_o that_o agreement_n in_o pursuance_n whereof_o in_o a_o session_n jac._n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o cambridge_n upon_o the_o 17_o of_o august_n follow_v it_o be_v order_v that_o sir_n miles_n sandys_n knight_n and_o baronet_n sir_n edw._n peyton_n knight_n and_o baronet_n and_o several_a of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n within_o the_o county_n of_o cambridg_n and_o isle_n of_o ely_n shall_v view_v and_o value_n according_a to_o the_o annual_a worth_n of_o the_o same_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o tax_n surround_v and_o other_o inconvenience_n which_o the_o same_o have_v bear_v for_o x._o year_n then_o past_a all_o the_o fen_n ground_n within_o the_o county_n of_o cambridge_n and_o isle_n of_o ely_n begin_v at_o fen-drayton_n on_o tuesday_n the_o 22_o of_o that_o instant_a august_n and_o that_o four_o able_a and_o sufficient_a man_n of_o every_o parish_n shall_v attend_v the_o say_a commissioner_n there_o for_o the_o better_a inform_v they_o in_o the_o true_a value_n of_o those_o ground_n and_o the_o next_o year_n follow_v in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v also_o at_o cambridge_n aforesaid_a it_o be_v decree_v that_o the_o adventurer_n in_o recompense_n of_o their_o charge_n of_o drayn_v this_o whole_a level_n jac._n shall_v have_v out_o of_o the_o surround_v ground_n so_o to_o be_v drayn_v one_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o thousand_o acre_n to_o be_v set_v out_o by_o mete_n and_o bound_n and_o the_o king_n himself_o who_o have_v be_v hear_v to_o say_v that_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o kingdom_n he_o will_v not_o any_o long_o suffer_v these_o country_n to_o be_v abandon_v to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o water_n nor_o to_o let_v they_o lie_v waste_n and_o unprofitable_a be_v then_o please_v to_o declare_v himself_o the_o principal_a undertaker_n ☞_o but_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o great_a disturbance_n he_o have_v about_o that_o time_n and_o after_o till_o the_o end_n of_o his_o reign_n for_o regain_n the_o palatinate_n then_o violent_o invade_v by_o a_o powerful_a army_n and_o his_o daughter_n with_o her_o husband_n and_o child_n expose_v to_o the_o wide_a world_n for_o a_o subsistence_n which_o be_v the_o impediment_n or_o what_o else_o i_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o say_v certain_a it_o be_v that_o no_o far_a progress_n be_v make_v therein_o nor_o any_o thing_n else_o conduce_v thereto_o till_o the_o five_o year_n of_o our_o late_a sovereign_a king_n charles_n the_o first_o of_o bless_a memory_n when_o in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o huntendon_n upon_o the_o 6_o of_o january_n 1629._o it_o be_v decree_v that_o a_o tax_n of_o six_o shilling_n a_o acre_n shall_v be_v lay_v upon_o all_o the_o say_v marish_a fenny_a waste_n and_o surround_v ground_n in_o order_n to_o this_o general_a drayn_n notwithstanding_o which_o decree_n there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o say_a tax_n pay_v nor_o any_o prosecution_n of_o that_o work_n câ—r_n howbeit_o in_o another_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o king_n lynne_z upon_o the_o first_o of_o september_n the_o year_n ensue_v the_o commissioner_n then_o present_a be_v xlvii_o in_o number_n there_o be_v a_o contract_n make_v with_o sir_n cornelius_n vermuden_n knight_n a_o person_n well_o experience_v in_o work_n of_o this_o kind_n for_o the_o drayn_n of_o this_o level_n and_o he_o for_o his_o recompense_n therein_o to_o have_v ninety_o five_o thousand_o acre_n of_o the_o say_v surround_v land_n but_o the_o country_n be_v not_o satisfy_v to_o deal_v with_o sir_n cornelius_n in_o regard_n he_o be_v a_o alien_n they_o intimate_v their_o dislike_n to_o the_o commissioner_n and_o withal_o become_v humble_a suitor_n to_o francis_n then_o earl_n of_o bedford_n who_o be_v owner_n of_o near_a twenty_o thousand_o acre_n about_o thorney_n and_o wittlesey_n of_o this_o fenny_a level_n to_o undertake_v the_o work_n at_o who_o request_n as_o also_o of_o the_o commissioner_n he_o condescend_v thereto_o whereupon_o for_o the_o better_a ratify_v of_o this_o agreement_n there_o be_v another_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o king_n lynne_z before-specified_n car._n upon_o the_o xiijth_o of_o january_n follow_v and_o by_o xli_o commissioner_n then_o and_o there_o present_a a_o solemn_a decree_n make_v recite_v these_o particular_n viz._n that_o the_o work_n of_o drayn_v be_v first_o propound_v 19_o jac._n at_o cambridg_n at_o a_o general_a session_n there_o where_o the_o then_o king_n james_n declare_v by_o his_o letter_n that_o he_o himself_o will_v undertake_v it_o and_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o expense_n the_o quantity_n of_o 120000._o acre_n be_v decree_v to_o his_o majesty_n his_o heir_n and_o successor_n for_o ever_o but_o the_o work_n be_v neglect_v by_o he_o his_o late_a majesty_n king_n charles_n the_o first_o have_v often_o recommend_v the_o care_n to_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o gracious_a intimation_n the_o commissioner_n at_o a_o session_n hold_v at_o huntingdon_n 20_o jan._n 5_o caroli_n do_v lay_v a_o tax_n of_o vis_fw-la the_o acre_n upon_o all_o and_o every_o marsh_n and_o fen_n ground_n which_o tax_n nor_o any_o part_n thereof_o be_v ever_o pay_v and_o moreover_o that_o whereas_o at_o a_o session_n hold_v at_o king_n lynne_z 1_o sept._n then_o last_o pass_v id_fw-la est_fw-la 6._o caroli_n the_o commissioner_n be_v xlvij_o present_a do_v contract_n with_o sir_n cornelius_n vermuden_n that_o he_o shall_v undertake_v the_o work_n at_o his_o own_o charge_n and_o in_o recompense_n thereof_o to_o have_v 90000._o acre_n parcel_n equal_o and_o indifferent_o to_o be_v lay_v out_o and_o that_o the_o say_v corn._n vermuden_n have_v present_v the_o commissioner_n with_o a_o map_n and_o design_n of_o the_o work_n which_o be_v approve_v of_o but_o require_v 95000._o acre_n which_o the_o commissioner_n and_o country_n be_v unwilling_a to_o grant_v or_o that_o any_o contract_n shall_v be_v make_v with_o a_o alien_a or_o stranger_n they_o therefore_o petition_v that_o the_o earl_n of_o bedford_n then_o present_a will_v undertake_v the_o work_n which_o the_o say_a earl_n yield_v unto_o under_o the_o agreement_n and_o article_n here_o under_o express_v viz._n 1._o that_o he_o shall_v
present_o begin_v the_o same_o and_o finish_v it_o so_o as_o to_o make_v the_o ground_n fit_a for_o meadow_n pasture_n or_o â—arable_a within_o the_o compass_n of_o six_o year_n from_o 1_o oct._n follow_v unless_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v approve_v the_o cause_n of_o defer_v it_o any_o long_o 2._o that_o sudden_a overflowing_n in_o place_n remote_a from_o the_o outfalls_a shall_v not_o be_v adjudge_v he_o not_o drayn_v nor_o meers_n lakes_n pool_n and_o forelands_n leave_v by_o art_n and_o approbation_n for_o receptacle_n nor_o any_o part_n of_o the_o ground_n out_o of_o which_o he_o be_v to_o have_v his_o proportion_n 3._o that_o there_o shall_v be_v 95000._o acre_n set_v out_o by_o six_o commissioner_n respect_n be_v have_v to_o commoner_n accommodation_n before_o michaelmass_n than_o next_o follow_v 4._o that_o the_o earl_n and_o his_o associate_n may_v be_v incorporate_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v law_n ordinance_n and_o order_n and_o to_o have_v power_n over_o the_o land_n assign_v but_o no_o other_o towards_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o work_n 5._o that_o the_o whole_a 95000._o acre_n shall_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o first_o finish_v of_o the_o work_n and_o 40000._o towards_o the_o maintain_n and_o the_o 40000._o to_o be_v subject_n in_o case_n of_o neglect_n to_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n 6._o that_o when_o 30000._o acre_n shall_v be_v finish_v the_o earl_n to_o have_v his_o proportion_n out_o of_o it_o 7._o that_o the_o private_a indikes_n for_o partition_n be_v make_v by_o advice_n of_o the_o earl_n and_o by_o direction_n of_o the_o commissioner_n 8._o that_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v set_v out_o convenient_a highway_n and_o passage_n by_o land_n throughout_o the_o level_n 9_o provide_v that_o the_o port_n and_o haven_n of_o king_n lynne_z be_v preserve_v and_o the_o navigation_n passage_n and_o highway_n in_o upon_z or_o about_o all_o the_o navigable_a river_n namely_o ouse_n grant_v neene_n welland_n and_o glene_n to_o be_v preserve_v and_o no_o prejudice_n annoyance_n hurt_n or_o hindrance_n to_o be_v do_v to_o they_o and_o if_o any_o such_o prejudice_n annoyance_n hurt_n or_o hindrance_n upon_o complaint_n thereof_o and_o of_o the_o commissioner_n whereof_o the_o vicechancellor_n of_o the_o university_n of_o cambridge_n ......._o shall_v be_v 3._o if_o they_o will_v be_v present_a to_o return_v abate_v ......._o and_o amove_v all_o such_o prejudice_n annoyance_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o ancient_a navigation_n passage_n and_o highway_n may_v be_v preserve_v 10._o for_o the_o safety_n of_o holland_n and_o hundred_o of_o wisbeche_n clow_n across_o drayn_n to_o be_v keep_v within_o soil_n or_o bank_n and_o in_o case_n of_o any_o prejudice_n than_o six_o commissioner_n to_o reform_v the_o excess_n and_o the_o earl_n to_o make_v recompense_n 11._o that_o the_o new_a river_n cutts_n and_o dreyn_n the_o bank_n forelands_n and_o inside_n of_o the_o bank_n not_o exceed_v 50._o or_o 60._o foot_n to_o be_v the_o earl_n pay_v such_o recompense_n as_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v think_v fit_a the_o old_a one_o to_o remain_v as_o they_o be_v 12._o no_o passage_n upon_o the_o bank_n but_o for_o the_o tow_n of_o bo_n 13._o that_o the_o earl_n may_v take_v earth_n dig_v drayn_n and_o cutts_n upon_o the_o land_n next_o adjoin_v make_v recompense_n 14._o that_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v assist_v the_o earl_n to_o suppress_v riot_n insolence_n and_o disturbance_n 15._o such_o as_o shall_v receive_v benefit_n by_o the_o work_n and_o yet_o no_o party_n to_o it_o if_o their_o land_n be_v take_v within_o the_o allotment_n of_o the_o 95000._o acre_n to_o pay_v to_o the_o earl_n as_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v assess_v upon_o pain_n to_o forfeit_v double_a 16._o that_o the_o earl_n may_v hold_v the_o 95000._o acre_n in_o free_a socage_n at_o xl_o per_fw-la annum_fw-la fee_n ferm_n and_o if_o any_o other_o rent_n be_v issue_v that_o pay_v be_v charge_v upon_o other_o land_n 17._o that_o the_o king_n shall_v release_v any_o benefit_n which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o sewer_n make_v 19_o jac._n or_o by_o any_o other_o law_n may_v accrue_v to_o he_o and_o approve_v of_o this_o law_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v confirm_v by_o decree_n in_o chancery_n and_o council_n of_o state_n and_o by_o act_n of_o the_o next_o parliament_n 18._o that_o 12000_o of_o the_o 95000_o acre_n be_v assure_v to_o the_o king_n for_o his_o royal_a assent_n and_o lay_v out_o upon_o the_o land_n belong_v to_o the_o manor_n of_o whittlesey_n and_o the_o marsh_n there_o adjoin_v 19_o and_o that_o for_o allotment_n out_o of_o small_a parcel_n less_o than_o 30_o acre_n there_o the_o earl_n to_o divide_v and_o accept_v what_o 6_o commissioner_n shall_v assess_v these_o thing_n be_v thus_o settle_v the_o say_a earl_n take_v in_o divers_a adventurer_n as_o participant_n with_o he_o therein_o they_o cast_v the_o whole_a so_o allow_v for_o their_o recompense_n into_o twenty_o part_n or_o lot_n each_o lot_n consist_v of_o four_o thousand_o acre_n whereof_o himself_o be_v to_o have_v three_o share_n or_o lot_n oliver_n earl_n of_o bullingbroke_n one_o edward_z lord_n gorges_n one_o sir_n robert_z heath_n knight_n one_o sir_n miles_n sandys_n knight_n and_o baronet_n two_o sir_n william_n russel_n knight_n and_o baronet_n two_o sir_n robert_n bevyll_v knight_n one_o sir_n thomas_n terringham_n knight_n two_o sir_n philibert_n vernat_fw-la one_o william_n sam_n doctor_n of_o law_n one_o anthony_n hamond_n esquire_n two_o samuel_n spalding_n gent._n one_o andrew_n burwell_n gent._n one_o and_o sir_n robert_n lovet_n knight_n one_o and_o thereupon_o he_o the_o say_a earl_n and_o those_o his_o participant_n do_v by_o indenture_n of_o fourteen_o part_n covenant_n with_o each_o other_o that_o if_o any_o one_o of_o they_o or_o their_o assignee_n after_o notice_n shall_v fail_v in_o the_o payment_n of_o such_o money_n as_o from_o time_n to_o time_n shall_v be_v impose_v on_o they_o in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o agreement_n for_o carry_v on_o the_o say_a work_n that_o then_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a to_o and_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o say_a party_n or_o their_o assign_n to_o supply_v the_o same_o or_o to_o admit_v some_o other_o person_n or_o person_n to_o have_v the_o share_n of_o such_o defalture_n pay_v the_o sum_n impose_v on_o the_o say_a share_n and_o that_o all_o such_o party_n as_o aforesaid_a by_o himself_o or_o his_o assign_n so_o fail_v shall_v be_v whole_o exclude_v and_o for_o ever_o debar_v from_o demand_v or_o receive_v all_o or_o any_o such_o sum_n or_o sum_n of_o money_n as_o any_o such_o person_n or_o person_n have_v former_o disburse_v for_o and_o towards_o the_o say_v undertake_v which_o agreement_n so_o make_v the_o say_a earl_n and_o his_o participant_n or_o such_o unto_o who_o several_a proportion_n of_o those_o lot_n or_o share_n be_v by_o they_o assign_v begin_v the_o work_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o carry_v off_o the_o superfluous_a water_n wherewith_o the_o level_n be_v so_o much_o annoy_v cause_v these_o several_a channel_n to_o be_v make_v viz._n 1._o bedford_z river_n extend_v from_o erith_n to_o salter_n load_n lxx_o foot_n wide_a and_o xxi_o mile_n in_o length_n this_o be_v intend_v for_o take_v off_o the_o high_a flood_n from_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n have_v at_o each_o end_n thereof_o a_o sluse_n of_o great_a strength_n 2._o sam_n be_v cut_v from_o feltwell_n to_o ouse_n be_v about_o six_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o twenty_o foot_n in_o breadth_n 3._o a_o cut_a to_o drain_v the_o river_n of_o mildenhall_n in_o burntfen_n near_o litleport_n two_o mile_n long_o and_o forty_o foot_n wide_o 4._o bevill_n leame_z be_v a_o cut_n from_o witlesey_n mere_a to_o guyhirne_n about_o ten_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o xl_o foot_n in_o breadth_n 5._o morton_n leame_z beforementioned_a new_a make_v 6._o peakirk_n drayn_n ten_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o 17_o foot_n in_o breadth_n 7._o new_a south_n ea_fw-la from_o crowland_n to_o clow_n cross_v 8._o hill_n cut_n near_a peterborough_n about_o two_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o 50_o foot_n in_o breadth_n 9_o shire_n drayne_n from_o clow_n cross_a to_o tide_n and_o so_o unto_o the_o sea_n moreover_o beside_o these_o cut_n and_o drayn_n he_o cause_v two_o sluice_n to_o be_v make_v at_o tide_n upon_o shire_n drayne_n to_o keep_v out_o the_o tide_n as_o also_o a_o clown_n at_o clow_n cross_a for_o the_o fresh_a water_n and_o likewise_o a_o great_a sasse_n on_o welle_v creek_n with_o a_o stone_n sluse_n at_o salter_n load_n upon_o bedford_n river_n to_o keep_v out_o the_o tide_n and_o sluice_n at_o erith_n for_o the_o fresh_a but_o above_o all_o that_o great_a stone_n sluse_n below_o wisbeche_n at_o the_o horseshoe_n to_o hold_v the_o tide_n out_o of_o morton_n leame_z which_o cost_v about_o eight_o thousand_o pound_n and_o to_o the_o end_n they_o
that_o margery_n the_o widow_n of_o robert_n de_fw-fr botheby_n of_o rihill_n conspire_v cunning_o to_o supplant_v he_o in_o his_o right_n cause_v the_o same_o trench_n in_o the_o say_v king_n absence_n from_o england_n to_o be_v stop_v up_o and_o his_o tenant_n of_o that_o manor_n who_o be_v at_o the_o make_v thereof_o to_o be_v implead_v by_o divers_a writ_n as_o trespasser_n to_o the_o say_v margery_n allege_v that_o they_o have_v break_v the_o bank_n of_o a_o certain_a sewer_n at_o rihill_n aforesaid_a so_o that_o the_o water_n thereof_o by_o that_o breach_n do_v drown_v her_o land_n that_o she_o can_v have_v no_o profit_n by_o they_o and_o that_o certain_a writ_n of_o nisi_fw-la prius_fw-la for_o to_z take_v inquisition_n upon_o the_o premise_n be_v grant_v to_o the_o say_v richard_n and_o william_n by_o which_o in_o case_n they_o shall_v be_v take_v or_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o proceed_n therein_o he_o the_o say_a king_n may_v easy_o receive_v prejudice_n and_o disherison_n especial_o if_o thereby_o his_o say_a tenant_n shall_v be_v convict_v of_o those_o trespass_n for_o than_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o he_o have_v no_o right_a to_o make_v that_o trench_n therefore_o the_o say_a king_n be_v desirous_a by_o all_o way_n he_o can_v to_o prevent_v such_o damage_n and_o disherison_n command_v the_o before-specified_n richard_n and_o william_n that_o they_o shall_v whole_o supersede_n the_o take_n of_o any_o such_o inquisition_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o say_v write_v of_o nisi_fw-la prius_fw-la in_o 17_o e._n 3._o sir_n thomas_n ughtre_v sir_n gerard_n de_fw-fr useflet_n and_o sir_n will._n de_fw-fr kednesse_n knight_n john_n de_fw-fr bekingham_n and_o john_n de_fw-fr langeton_n be_v assign_v dorso_fw-la to_o view_v the_o bank_n betwixt_o turnbrigg_n near_o rouclif_n and_o the_o ancient_a course_n of_o the_o river_n of_o done_n in_o the_o part_n of_o merskland_n as_o also_o those_o upon_o the_o river_n of_o air_n use_v and_o do_v thereabouts_o which_o be_v then_o much_o break_v by_o the_o flood_n of_o fresh_a water_n and_o to_o take_v order_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o they_o in_o the_o same_o year_n upon_o a_o petition_n exhibit_v to_o the_o king_n in_o parliament_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o merskland_n in_o this_o county_n and_o they_o of_o â—xholme_n in_o lincolnshire_n show_v that_o whereas_o king_n edward_n the_o second_o at_o the_o suit_n of_o they_o the_o say_v inhabitant_n suggest_v that_o the_o river_n of_o done_n which_o be_v the_o division_n betwixt_o the_o say_a county_n where_o the_o course_n of_o the_o water_n have_v wont_a to_o be_v aswell_o for_o the_o passage_n of_o ship_n from_o the_o town_n of_o doncastre_n unto_o the_o river_n of_o trent_n as_o for_o the_o drayn_n of_o the_o adjacent_a land_n be_v obstruct_v by_o the_o sea-tide_n and_o thereupon_o give_v commission_n to_o john_n de_fw-fr donecaster_n and_o other_o to_o clear_v the_o same_o and_o reduce_v it_o to_o it_o be_v ancient_a course_n which_o commissioner_n do_v according_o cause_v a_o trench_n of_o xuj_o foot_n and_o one_o grain_n of_o barley_n in_o breadth_n to_o be_v thereupon_o dig_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o man_n of_o those_o part_n from_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v crulleflet_n hill_n unto_o denmyn_n and_o do_v thereby_o reduce_v that_o stream_n into_o its_o ancient_a course_n and_o that_o since_o the_o say_a trench_n so_o dig_v there_o be_v bridge_n floodgate_n and_o divers_a other_o obstruction_n make_v anew_o in_o the_o say_a stream_n so_o that_o it_o have_v not_o sufficient_a breadth_n but_o that_o the_o passage_n of_o ship_n be_v hinder_v and_o the_o adjacent_a ground_n overflow_v he_o therefore_o constitute_v ibid._n roger_n de_fw-fr newmarsh_n thomas_n de_fw-fr levelannor_n john_n de_fw-fr ludington_n and_o john_n the_o redness_n his_o commissioner_n to_o remove_v those_o obstruction_n in_o the_o same_o year_n upon_o dorso_fw-la information_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o rykhale_n skipwith_n eskrik_n styvelyngflet_n duffeld_v and_o bardelby_n that_o the_o bank_n of_o a_o certain_a sewer_n which_o pass_v from_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n unto_o rikhale_n be_v so_o low_a and_o ruinous_a at_o rikhale_n that_o by_o the_o flow_a of_o the_o ouse_n enter_v that_o sewer_n and_o go_v over_o the_o bank_n thereof_o divers_a land_n and_o meadow_n of_o the_o say_a inhabitant_n of_o those_o place_n as_o also_o a_o certain_a roadway_n which_o go_v from_o hoveden_n to_o york_n and_o another_o which_o come_v from_o selby_n to_o york_n through_o want_n of_o repair_n of_o those_o bank_n and_o raise_v they_o high_a be_v many_o time_n overflow_v so_o that_o the_o before-specified_n inhabitant_n for_o many_o year_n past_a have_v lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o their_o say_a land_n the_o king_n therefore_o assign_v dorso_fw-la will._n basset_n sir_n will._n the_o redness_n knight_n robert_n de_fw-fr haldanby_n and_o john_n de_fw-fr bekyngham_n his_o commissioner_n to_o inquire_v thereof_o and_o to_o redress_v the_o same_o by_o virtue_n of_o which_o commission_n they_o the_o say_v robert_n and_o john_n sit_v at_o rikhale_n upon_o friday_n be_v the_o feast_n of_o the_o decollation_n of_o s._n john_n baptist_n in_o the_o year_n abovesaid_a before_o who_o henry_n the_o moreby_o and_o his_o fellow_n juror_n be_v impanel_v and_o swear_v do_v present_a upon_o their_o oath_n that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a sewer_n at_o ryhkale_n call_v rykhaleflete_a in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o duresme_fw-fr and_o the_o prebendary_a of_o the_o prebend_n of_o rykhale_n by_o which_o the_o water_n that_o descend_v from_o the_o field_n of_o eskrik_n skipwith_n and_o rikhall_n fall_v into_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n and_o have_v do_v so_o time_n out_o of_o mind_n and_o that_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o say_a sewer_n and_o those_o lie_v near_o thereto_o upon_o the_o say_a river_n be_v so_o low_a and_o the_o same_o sewer_n by_o the_o frequent_a ebb_a and_o flow_v of_o the_o ouse_n so_o wear_v away_o and_o enlarge_v in_o regard_n that_o the_o course_n of_o that_o river_n from_o rikhale_n towards_o the_o sea_n be_v then_o more_o straighten_v than_o former_o by_o bank_n upon_o the_o verge_n thereof_o new_o make_v for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o the_o country_n in_o divers_a place_n which_o cause_v it_o in_o floud-time_n to_o rise_v high_a than_o usual_o do_v by_o its_o entrance_n of_o that_o sewer_n over_o those_o bank_n drown_v much_o land_n meadow_n wood_n and_o pasture_n belong_v to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o rikhale_n skipwith_n eskrik_n and_o thurgramby_n so_o that_o they_o often_o lose_v their_o benefit_n of_o those_o land_n through_o the_o want_n of_o repair_n and_o raise_v the_o bank_n of_o the_o same_o sewer_n viz._n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o dureâ—me_n his_o land_n about_o lxiiij_o acre_n of_o the_o land_n belong_v to_o the_o prebendary_a of_o rikhale_n and_o his_o tenant_n about_o a_o hundred_o acre_n of_o the_o land_n of_o john_n de_fw-fr manesergh_n about_o thirty_o acre_n of_o the_o land_n belong_v to_o the_o abbey_n of_o s._n marry_o in_o york_n lie_v in_o escrik_n park_n about_o lx_o acre_n of_o the_o land_n pertain_v to_o sir_n ralph_n de_fw-fr lascel_n avicen_n la_fw-fr constable_n nicholas_n damory_n the_o prioress_n of_o thikheve_n and_o her_o tenant_n about_o cxx_o acre_n of_o the_o land_n of_o edmund_n de_fw-fr averenge_n and_o john_n de_fw-fr skipwith_n about_o cxx_o acre_n and_o they_o also_o say_v that_o the_o roadway_n which_o lead_v from_o hoveden_n to_o york_n as_o also_o that_o high_a way_n from_o selby_n to_o york_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o that_o overflow_a of_o the_o water_n enter_v by_o the_o say_a sewer_n so_o often_o drown_v that_o no_o man_n can_v pass_v they_o and_o that_o one_o will._n le_fw-fr mareschall_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o say_v overflow_a be_v drown_v in_o that_o road_n betwiut_fw-la seleby_n and_o york_n the_o year_n before_o and_o so_o likewise_o be_v one_o walter_n redhed_n at_o another_o time_n in_o a_o place_n call_v welebrig_n overflow_v in_o such_o sort_n by_o the_o say_a water_n and_o be_v ask_v through_o who_o neglect_n it_o be_v that_o those_o bank_n be_v not_o repair_v and_o who_o ought_v to_o repair_v they_o they_o answer_v that_o the_o prebendary_a of_o the_o prebend_n of_o rikhale_n have_v in_o time_n past_a a_o certain_a mill_n which_o stand_v in_o the_o say_a sewer_n in_o a_o place_n call_v rikhaldrun_v for_o his_o own_o private_a commodity_n and_o a_o pool_n raise_v to_o a_o certain_a height_n upon_o which_o pool_n be_v a_o causey_n for_o the_o passage_n of_o cart_n and_o wane_v and_o under_o that_o pool_n a_o sluse_n six_o foot_n in_o breadth_n for_o evacuation_n of_o the_o water_n descend_v from_o the_o before-specified_n field_n by_o which_o causey_n and_o sluse_n the_o tide_n of_o ouse_n come_v up_o the_o same_o sewer_n and_o flow_v over_o the_o bank_n thereof_o enter_v the_o say_a pool_n be_v
hinder_v so_o that_o they_o can_v go_v no_o far_o except_o casual_o in_o the_o time_n of_o a_o exceed_a great_a flood_n of_o the_o say_a river_n and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o the_o beforementioned_a prebendary_a owner_n of_o that_o mill_n time_n out_o of_o mind_n have_v a_o mill_n there_o for_o their_o proper_a benefit_n and_o keep_v the_o mill-pool_n to_o the_o height_n above_o express_v until_o that_o one_o bartholomew_n florentyne_n prebendary_a of_o that_o prebend_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o first_o deem_v that_o it_o will_v be_v more_o for_o his_o profit_n to_o pull_v down_o the_o say_a mill_n than_o maintain_v it_o demolish_v both_o the_o mill_n and_o the_o pool_n so_o that_o the_o tide_n of_o ouse_n enter_v the_o before-specified_n sewer_n and_o go_v over_o the_o bank_n pass_v through_o the_o say_a pool_n so_o demolish_v do_v in_o every_o great_a flood_n of_o that_o water_n thenceforth_o till_o that_o time_n drown_v the_o before-specified_n land_n and_o the_o land_n of_o many_o other_o and_o they_o also_o say_v that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o other_o bank_n nor_o sluice_n for_o defence_n of_o that_o water_n nor_o be_v any_o one_o oblige_v to_o repair_v any_o bank_n there_o except_o they_o who_o land_n be_v so_o overflow_v as_o aforesaid_a but_o they_o say_v that_o it_o will_v be_v more_o profitable_a and_o beneficial_a for_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o those_o place_n to_o have_v bank_n raise_v to_o a_o fit_a height_n and_o sluice_n of_o a_o certain_a breadth_n for_o to_o keep_v back_o the_o tide_n of_o the_o say_a river_n at_o the_o entrance_n thereof_o that_o be_v to_o say_v upon_o the_o bank_n of_o ouse_n at_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o say_a sewer_n where_o the_o say_a bishop_n of_o duresme_fw-fr be_v lord_n of_o part_n of_o the_o soil_n and_o the_o say_v prebendary_a lord_n of_o the_o other_o part_n and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o they_o believe_v that_o the_o say_a water_n of_o ouse_n do_v enter_v by_o that_o sewer_n and_o pass_v over_o those_o bank_n by_o reason_n they_o be_v too_o low_a to_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o those_o part_n through_o the_o default_n and_o neglect_v of_o the_o man_n of_o those_o town_n which_o have_v their_o ground_n so_o overflow_v &_o not_o of_o any_o other_o and_o that_o all_o they_o who_o have_v land_n overflow_v by_o the_o flood_n of_o that_o water_n aught_o to_o repair_v those_o bank_n as_o also_o to_o raise_v they_o high_o in_o 23_o e._n 3._o sir_n thomas_n ughtre_v sir_n gerard_n oâ—sflet_n knight_n robert_n de_fw-fr midelham_n robert_n de_fw-fr haldenby_n thomas_n proctor_n of_o redness_n and_o will._n gatorest_n be_v dorso_fw-la assign_v to_o view_v and_o repair_v the_o bank_n upon_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n do_v and_o air_n in_o the_o part_n of_o merskland_n the_o next_o year_n follow_v will._n de_fw-fr percy_n brian_n de_fw-fr thornehull_n ralph_n de_fw-fr lassel_n will._n de_fw-fr ayrmyn_n will._n de_fw-fr nâ—tton_n will._n de_fw-fr hinchden_n illard_n de_fw-fr usflet_n â—nd_n thomas_n de_fw-fr egmanton_n have_v dorso_fw-la the_o like_a assignation_n for_o those_o upon_o the_o river_n of_o humbre_fw-mi use_v derwent_n air_n skelflet_n langdyk_n fulne_v and_o do_v in_o the_o part_n of_o spaldingmore_n hovedenshire_n draxsoken_n and_o mersklandâ—_n â—_z and_o in_o the_o wapentake_v of_o barston_n and_o herthill_n betwixt_o use_n and_o derwent_n so_o also_o have_v ibid._n thomas_n the_o ughtred_a robert_n de_fw-fr pikering_n robert_n de_fw-fr middelham_n will._n the_o gateresse_n and_o thomas_n proctor_n of_o redness_n for_o those_o upon_o the_o stream_n of_o use_n air_n and_o do_v in_o the_o part_n of_o merskland_n and_o osgodcrosse_n the_o like_a commission_n dorso_fw-la in_o 26_o e._n 3._o have_v william_n basset_n sir_n miles_n stapleton_n knight_n illard_n de_fw-fr usflet_n and_o john_n de_fw-fr lasingcroft_n for_o those_o bank_n etc._n etc._n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o air_n betwixt_o ayrmynne_n and_o ferybrigg_n so_o also_o the_o same_o year_n have_v dorso_fw-la thomas_n de_fw-fr metham_n alan_n de_fw-fr shutlingden_n parson_n of_o the_o church_n of_o hemyngburgh_n john_n mowbray_n and_o peter_n de_fw-fr richmund_n for_o those_o upon_o ouse_n within_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o duresme_fw-fr other_o commission_n to_o the_o like_a purpose_n be_v short_o after_o direct_v to_o other_o viz._n in_o 30_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_fw-la john_n de_fw-fr mowbray_n illard_n de_fw-fr usflet_n john_n de_fw-fr walton_n and_o john_n de_fw-fr feriby_n for_o the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n upon_o humbre_fw-mi betwixt_o faxflet_n and_o paulesflâ—t_n in_o 31_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_fw-la robâ—rt_n de_fw-fr herle_n will._n de_fw-fr skipwith_n john_n de_fw-fr mowbray_n john_n knyvet_n nich._n gower_n and_o thomas_n levelance_n for_o those_o in_o the_o wapentake_v of_o strafford_n and_o osgodcrosse_n in_o 33_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_fw-la john_n mowbray_n sir_n marmaduke_n constable_n sir_n will._n de_fw-fr aldeburgh_n sir_n ralph_n de_fw-fr lascel_n knight_n and_o other_o for_o those_o upon_o use_n derwent_n air_n skelflete_a langdyke_n fulne_v and_o do_v in_o the_o part_n of_o spaldyngmore_n hovedenshire_n draxsoken_n and_o merskland_n as_o also_o in_o the_o wapentake_v of_o barston_n and_o herthill_n and_o betwixt_o use_n and_o derwent_n in_o 36_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_fw-la the_o same_o john_n de_fw-fr mowbray_n thomas_n de_fw-fr ingelby_n william_n de_fw-fr fyncheden_n and_o other_o for_o all_o the_o last_o mention_v place_n in_o the_o same_o year_n there_o be_v divers_a presentment_n ebor._n make_v against_o those_o who_o ought_v to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v the_o depth_n of_o a_o goul_n in_o houk_n upon_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n within_o the_o part_n of_o merskland_n through_o who_o neglect_n the_o bank_n be_v break_v to_o the_o nuisance_n of_o the_o king_n be_v high_a way_n betwixt_o houk_n and_o swynflet_n so_o also_o for_o 35._o neglect_v to_o repair_v the_o say_a bank_n upon_o ouse_n to_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o roadway_n betwixt_o usflete_a and_o ayrmyn_n upon_o the_o plead_n 44._o whereunto_o the_o town_n of_o roucliff_n can_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o repair_v the_o watercourse_n at_o langholme_n goat_n and_o therefore_o be_v fine_v for_o their_o default_n in_o 39_o e._n 3._o thomas_n de_fw-fr ingelby_n miles_n de_fw-fr stapelton_n illard_n de_fw-fr usflete_fw-la and_o other_o be_v constitute_v dorso_fw-la commissioner_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o air_n betwixt_o ayremin_n &_o ferybrigg_n the_o like_a commission_n dorso_fw-la the_o same_o year_n have_v will._n de_fw-fr skipwith_n rich._n de_fw-fr ravensere_fw-fr provost_n of_o beverley_n godfrey_n de_fw-fr folejaumbe_n &_o other_o for_o those_o upon_o the_o bank_n of_o use_n air_n and_o do_v in_o the_o part_n of_o merskland_n and_o osgodcrosse_n and_o to_o proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n so_o also_o have_v â—orso_fw-la hugh_n de_fw-fr hastyng_n will._n de_fw-fr fyncheden_n will._n de_fw-fr reygate_n and_o other_o for_o those_o on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o air_n betwixt_o selby_n and_o castelford_n brigge_n in_o 40_o e._n 3._o there_o be_v a_o presentment_n ebor._n make_v in_o the_o wapentake_n of_o anesty_n against_o the_o prior_n of_o s._n johns_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o obstruct_v the_o watercourse_n call_v langedyke_n in_o the_o 37_o year_n of_o the_o say_a king_n reign_v who_o allege_v that_o there_o be_v error_n therein_o it_o come_v to_o be_v plead_v in_o the_o king_n bench_n where_o the_o juror_n find_v that_o the_o say_a watercourse_n be_v stop_v in_o the_o pasture_n of_o temple_n wetherby_n so_o that_o it_o overflow_v the_o pasture_n and_o land_n of_o thorparth_n and_o other_o town_n adjoin_v and_o that_o the_o say_a watercourse_n ought_v to_o be_v repair_v and_o cleanse_v by_o the_o same_o prior_n as_o in_o right_a of_o his_o manor_n of_o temple_n wetherby_n which_o be_v not_o do_v he_o be_v amerce_v in_o xxs._o in_o the_o same_o year_n thomas_n de_fw-fr ingelby_n will._n de_fw-fr fyncheden_n miles_n de_fw-fr stapelton_n thomas_n de_fw-fr metham_n and_o other_o be_v appoint_v dorso_fw-la to_o view_v and_o repair_v the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o air_n betwixt_o ayrmyn_n and_o ferybrig_n and_o to_o perform_v all_o thing_n therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n so_o also_o ibid._n be_v will._n de_fw-fr fyncheden_n godefrey_n de_fw-fr folejambe_n thomas_n de_fw-fr bradwell_n and_o other_o for_o those_o betwixt_o eyrmyn_n and_o whitley_n on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o say_a river_n and_o likewise_o ibid._n thomas_n de_fw-fr roos_n of_o hamlake_n thomas_n de_fw-fr ingelby_n will._n dâ—_n aton_n and_o other_o for_o those_o upon_o humbre_fw-mi use_v derwent_n air_n skelflete_a land_n dyke_n fulne_v and_o do_v in_o the_o part_n of_o spaldyngmore_n hovedenshire_n draxsoken_n and_o merskland_n and_o the_o wapentake_v of_o
this_o isle_n and_o keep_v guard_n about_o the_o water_n near_o to_o the_o land_n hope_v to_o take_v he_o cunning_o without_o any_o slaughter_n of_o his_o own_o man_n but_o hereward_n be_v aware_a thereof_o as_o also_o that_o some_o of_o those_o guard_n have_v encounter_v with_o part_n of_o his_o soldier_n and_o pursue_v they_o he_o come_v in_o to_o their_o aid_n and_o by_o take_v some_o of_o they_o discover_v that_o the_o say_a earl_n have_v set_v these_o ambush_n for_o he_o and_o likewise_o that_o he_o be_v on_o the_o morrow_n to_o be_v at_o hoherhed_n he_o hasten_v thither_o with_o his_o ship_n and_o place_v some_o arm_a soldier_n near_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o river_n go_v himself_o with_o three_o horseman_n and_o fouâ—_n archer_n well_o arm_v unto_o the_o mouth_n thereof_o where_o the_o earl_n himself_o with_o his_o man_n be_v then_o also_o come_v on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o see_v they_o send_v some_o of_o his_o party_n near_o who_o inquire_v whether_o they_o belong_v to_o hereward_n and_o find_v that_o they_o didâ—_n endeavour_v to_o persuade_v they_o to_o forsake_v himâ—_n but_o prevail_v not_o they_o return_v to_o the_o earl_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o hereward_n himself_o be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o water_n whereupon_o the_o say_a earl_n animate_v his_o soldier_n to_o swim_v over_o with_o he_o present_o and_o revenge_v his_o brother_n death_n but_o they_o tell_v he_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a so_o to_o do_v say_v that_o his_o come_n thither_o be_v purposely_o thus_o to_o delude_v they_o whereupon_o the_o earl_n sigh_v say_v to_o they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o water_n oh_o that_o i_o have_v that_o devilish_a fellow_n your_o master_n here_o i_o will_v certain_o torment_v he_o to_o death_n to_o which_o word_n of_o his_o hereward_n reply_v if_o we_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v so_o fortunate_a as_o to_o meet_v alone_o in_o any_o fit_a place_n you_o will_v not_o wish_v i_o in_o your_o feeble_a hand_n nor_o like_o well_o of_o my_o company_n and_o have_v so_o say_v stoop_v a_o little_a he_o bend_v his_o bow_n and_o let_v fâ—ye_o a_o arrow_n hit_v the_o earl_n on_o the_o breast_n but_o his_o coat_n of_o mail_n will_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o enter_v nevertheless_o it_o come_v with_o such_o a_o force_n that_o it_o strike_v he_o off_o his_o horse_n so_o that_o his_o servant_n take_v he_o up_o for_o dead_a in_o their_o arm_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n hereward_n go_v away_o and_o come_v with_o his_o company_n into_o the_o isle_n the_o same_o day_n where_o he_o be_v receive_v with_o great_a honour_n by_o the_o abbot_n and_o his_o monk_n as_o also_o by_o those_o noble_a person_n that_o be_v there_o viz._n edwine_n earl_n of_o leicester_n and_o morkere_o his_o brother_n earl_n of_o warwick_n and_o other_o eminent_a man_n of_o the_o country_n who_o have_v be_v much_o oppress_v by_o the_o say_a conqueror_n flee_v thither_o whereof_o the_o king_n hear_v and_o be_v much_o enrage_v thereat_o he_o resolve_v to_o get_v the_o isle_n by_o assault_n and_o to_o that_o end_n cause_v a_o rendezvous_n of_o his_o whole_a army_n at_o alrehede_v near_o which_o place_n there_o be_v a_o military_a rampire_n yet_o to_o be_v see_v where_o the_o fen_n be_v four_o furlong_n in_o breadth_n and_o have_v bring_v store_n of_o wood_n stone_n and_o faggot_n of_o all_o kind_n with_o a_o multitude_n of_o tree_n and_o great_a piece_n of_o timber_n fasten_v they_o together_o underneath_o with_o cow-hides_a and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o pass_v over_o they_o they_o strip_v off_o the_o skin_n of_o beast_n and_o fill_v they_o with_o wind_n like_o bladder_n which_o be_v do_v there_o be_v so_o many_o that_o press_v on_o to_o get_v over_o be_v greedy_a of_o the_o gold_n &_o silver_n whereof_o they_o suppose_a store_n to_o be_v in_o the_o isle_n that_o they_o that_o go_v foremost_a be_v drown_v with_o their_o bridge_n and_o those_o in_o the_o midst_n become_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o fenn_n but_o of_o those_o that_o be_v hindmost_a a_o few_o throw_v away_o their_o weapon_n make_v a_o shift_n by_o the_o mud_n to_o escape_v nevertheless_o multitude_n perish_v in_o this_o adventure_n who_o body_n be_v long_o after_o find_v putrify_a in_o their_o harness_n and_o drag_v out_o from_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o water_n but_o one_o only_a man_n who_o name_n be_v beda_n get_v into_o the_o isle_n the_o king_n therefore_o behold_v this_o lamentable_a disaster_n and_o much_o grieve_v thereat_o depart_v thence_o with_o those_o few_o which_o he_o have_v leave_v without_o any_o hope_n to_o conquer_v it_o place_v guard_n of_o soldier_n about_o it_o to_o prevent_v those_o within_o from_o waste_v the_o country_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o say_a beda_n be_v take_v and_o bring_v before_o the_o chief_a person_n that_o be_v in_o the_o isle_n and_o ask_v why_o he_o so_o bold_o adventure_v himself_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o king_n do_v promise_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v first_o enter_v and_o do_v some_o notable_a exploit_n there_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o those_o that_o defend_v it_o let_v he_o ask_v what_o he_o will_v of_o any_o man_n therein_o and_o he_o shall_v obtain_v it_o which_o when_o they_o hear_v they_o commend_v his_o valour_n and_o keep_v he_o there_o with_o they_o for_o certain_a day_n use_v he_o with_o great_a respect_n have_v therefore_o have_v this_o experience_n of_o their_o civility_n and_o observe_v how_o secure_a the_o place_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o fortification_n there_o make_v as_o also_o the_o number_n and_o valour_n of_o the_o soldier_n therein_o he_o profess_v that_o as_o he_o have_v often_o hear_v they_o repute_v to_o be_v person_n more_o expert_a in_o war_n than_o other_o he_o now_o find_v it_o to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_o promise_v they_o upon_o liberty_n to_o go_v back_o to_o the_o king_n camp_n that_o he_o will_v there_o relate_v as_o much_o which_o he_o according_o do_v all_o be_v joyful_a to_o see_v he_o 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this_o isle_n it_o extraordinary_a fruitful_a in_o all_o sort_n of_o grass_n there_o be_v no_o place_n in_o england_n that_o have_v a_o more_o fertile_a turf_n moreover_o it_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o huge_a water_n and_o fen_n as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o strong_a wall_n and_o abound_v not_o only_o with_o domestic_a cattle_n but_o with_o a_o multitude_n of_o wild_a beast_n viz._n heart_n do_v goat_n and_o hare_n both_o in_o the_o wood_n and_o near_o the_o fen_n as_o also_o ermine_n polecat_n weasel_n and_o the_o like_a vermin_n which_o be_v take_v with_o trap_n and_o other_o engine_n in_o the_o winter_n time_n and_o of_o fish_n and_o foul_a which_o there_o breed_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v at_o the_o floodgate_n upon_o the_o skirt_n of_o those_o water_n what_o
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believe_v i_o assure_v you_o that_o yesterday_o i_o myself_o see_v a_o party_n of_o the_o enemy_n make_v a_o sally_n out_o of_o the_o isle_n whereof_o but_o seven_o of_o they_o be_v arm_v and_o all_o monk_n except_o two_o who_o behave_v themselves_o in_o every_o point_n like_o soldier_n and_o fire_v the_o town_n of_o burwell_n do_v much_o mischief_n otherwise_o which_o when_o our_o man_n see_v ten_o of_o they_o issue_v out_o of_o the_o fort_n with_o a_o purpose_n to_o take_v they_o in_o their_o return_n because_o they_o be_v few_o in_o number_n but_o in_o the_o skirmish_n they_o slay_v all_o our_o man_n except_o one_o a_o stout_a soldier_n who_o name_n be_v richard_n and_o nephew_n to_o osbert_n the_o shireeve_n with_o who_o one_o wenothus_fw-la have_v a_o single_a encounter_n wherein_o neither_o prevail_a though_o they_o fight_v a_o good_a while_n some_o of_o our_o man_n go_v to_o part_v they_o whereof_o the_o famous_a hereward_n take_v notice_n for_o he_o be_v within_o view_n he_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o one_o to_o meddle_v say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o just_a that_o two_o or_o three_o shall_v set_v upon_o one_o man_n and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v ser_fw-mi any_o of_o he_o to_o do_v so_o base_a a_o thing_n but_o our_o man_n follow_v they_o to_o their_o ship_n and_o kill_v one_o of_o their_o mariner_n with_o a_o dart_n and_o take_v another_o prisoner_n he_o tell_v we_o who_o they_o all_o be_v and_o their_o name_n viz._n hereward_n the_o general_n wenothus_fw-la thurstane_n a_o youngman_n afterward_o surname_v provost_n boter_n of_o s._n edmunds_n bury_n siward_n leuric_n and_o acâ—r_v for_o his_o stoutness_n surname_v hardy_n these_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v monk_n be_v skilful_a man_n in_o arm_n often_o give_v testimony_n of_o their_o valour_n in_o presence_n of_o the_o say_v hereward_n all_o which_o the_o king_n hear_v as_o he_o will_v not_o speak_v a_o evil_a word_n of_o they_o deem_v it_o a_o most_o unworthy_a thing_n to_o give_v bad_a language_n of_o such_o valiant_a man_n so_o do_v he_o forbear_v to_o commend_v their_o courage_n above_o his_o own_o soldier_n but_o consider_v to_o make_v peace_n with_o they_o in_o regard_n the_o isle_n be_v so_o strong_o fortify_v and_o that_o he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o prevent_v their_o come_n out_o thereof_o or_o return_v whereupon_o call_v together_o his_o noble_n and_o counsellor_n he_o tell_v they_o his_o thought_n allege_v that_o now_o he_o be_v to_o march_v against_o the_o army_n of_o the_o dane_n and_o soon_o after_o of_o necessity_n to_o go_v into_o normandy_n it_o will_v not_o be_v safe_a to_o leave_v such_o a_o enemy_n behind_o he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o land_n at_o his_o back_n but_o some_o of_o his_o noble_n then_o present_a and_o which_o be_v most_o of_o his_o privy_a council_n dissuade_v he_o from_o so_o do_v urge_v that_o if_o he_o deal_v thus_o favourable_o with_o those_o that_o have_v embroil_v his_o kingdom_n for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n other_o will_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o do_v the_o like_a to_o who_o the_o king_n in_o anger_n reply_v that_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conquer_v they_o consider_v the_o place_n natural_o so_o defensible_a whereupon_o one_o ivotael_n le_fw-fr bois_n move_v with_o some_o indignation_n tell_v he_o that_o he_o have_v long_o know_v a_o certain_a old_a witch_n who_o if_o she_o be_v there_o will_v by_o her_o art_n soon_o destroy_v their_o whole_a strength_n and_o place_n of_o defence_n and_o drive_v they_o out_o as_o coward_n out_o of_o the_o island_n which_o be_v no_o soon_o say_v but_o that_o all_o who_o stand_v by_o become_v earnest_a suitor_n to_o the_o king_n that_o he_o will_v make_v no_o delay_n to_o encourage_v and_o well_o reward_n whosoever_o that_o can_v by_o any_o art_n or_o skill_n vanquish_v his_o enemy_n the_o king_n therefore_o yield_v to_o these_o their_o persuasion_n cause_v this_o old_a woman_n to_o be_v private_o send_v for_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v talk_v of_o and_o bring_v 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fellow_n and_o ignorant_a of_o what_o they_o then_o discourse_v and_o about_o the_o dead_a time_n of_o the_o night_n discern_v the_o woman_n of_o the_o house_n and_o that_o old_a sorceress_n to_o go_v out_o of_o door_n he_o secret_o follow_v they_o and_o see_v that_o they_o go_v to_o a_o certain_a spring_n which_o be_v by_o the_o side_n of_o a_o garden_n and_o run_v towards_o the_o east_n and_o hear_v they_o discourse_n he_o understand_v that_o they_o design_v to_o murder_v he_o but_o to_o prevent_v their_o purpose_n he_o get_v away_o very_o early_o in_o the_o morning_n with_o his_o pot_n and_o wander_v about_o the_o king_n court_n on_o every_o side_n he_o cry_v as_o potter_n use_v to_o do_v pot_n pot_n good_a pot_n